Short-term Effects of Robot-Resistance Exercises on Muscle Strength and Activations: Types of Muscle Contraction and Speed of Contraction

Abstract

We developed the isokinetic exercise robot for single joint muscle training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of contraction types (concentric vs. eccentric contractions) and contractile speeds (slow vs. fast contractions) controlled by the developed exercise robot on muscle strength and activations. Ten subjects voluntarily performed the biceps curls exercise by resisting the robot-driven loads. Results indicated that there was no significant change in muscular strength as a result of different type of contraction and contractile velocity. The effect of fatigue, however, might be detected due to decreased maximum moment and increased muscle activities. Further research on the optimal recovery time is needed in order to enhance utilization of exercise robot in fitness areas.