BACKGROUND: Although transfer of unilateral training has been quite widely explored, few studies have focused on gains achieved due to concentric isokinetic training of the non-dominant side.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of unilateral non-dominant (ND) isokinetic knee extension and flexion training at 60°/s on ipsilateral and contralateral knee extension and flexion peak moment (PM) in active female population as well investigate the speed specificity nature of this protocol.
METHODS: Thirty female were divided into two groups: experimental and control. The experimental group trained concentrically the ND flexors and extensors at 60°/s according to the following protocol: 5-6 reps X 2-4 sets X 3d X 4w at 100% effort while PM at pre- and post-training was tested concentrically at 60 and 180°/s.
RESULTS: Significant (p< 0.05) increases in the extensors and flexors PM peak moment in both the trained and untrained limb were noted in the experimental group, ranging 19-27% and 12-17%, respectively. The effects were speed specific in the trained but not in untrained limb. No changes were noted in the PM of the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: In physically active female population, concentric isokinetic training of the ND knee extensors and flexors at 60°/s significantly increase the strength of these muscles at the trained and untrained limb. This cross-education was not speed specific and therefore may obviate the need to use a multiple speed protocol.
