ArticleEuropean journal of applied physiology2019
Is the joint-angle specificity of isometric resistance training real? And if so, does it have a neural basis?
Article in European journal of applied physiology, 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 15 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
15 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Eccentric-Only Versus Concentric-Only Isokinetic Strength Training Effects on Maximal Voluntary Eccentric, Concentric and Isometric Contraction Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.Sports medicine - open · 2025Pooled it
- Rapid Torque Production of the Knee Extensors: An Integrative Analysis of Neuromuscular and Muscle-Tendon Determinants.Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports · 2026Article
- A Movement Description Language for Functional Training Exercise Analysis.Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology · 2026Article
- Neuromuscular adaptations to load-matched isometric vs. dynamic resistance training in Kho-Kho athletes: a pilot investigation.Frontiers in sports and active living · 2026Article
- Quadriceps Muscle Morphology as a Marker of Performance Across Multiple Strength and Power Tests.Translational sports medicine · 2026Article
- The mediating effect of force and velocity changes on power output enhancement in bench press throw after submaximal isometric conditioning activity in trained males.Biology of sport · 2025Article
- Differences in muscle morphology assessed by ultrasound at various muscle regions and their impact on voluntary and involuntary force production.Scientific reports · 2025Article
- Optimizing Resistance Training for Sprint and Endurance Athletes: Balancing Positive and Negative Adaptations.Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) · 2024Review
- Resistance Training Practices of Brazilian Olympic Sprint and Jump Coaches: Toward a Deeper Understanding of Their Choices and Insights (Part III).Journal of human kinetics · 2024Article
- Comparison of the effects of long-lasting static stretching and hypertrophy training on maximal strength, muscle thickness and flexibility in the plantar flexors.European journal of applied physiology · 2023Article
- Maximal strength measurement: A critical evaluation of common methods-a narrative review.Frontiers in sports and active living · 2023Review
- Article
- Kinetic, muscle structure, and neuromuscular determinants of weight transfer phase prior to a lateral choice reaction step in older adults.Journal of electromyography and kinesiology : official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology · 2020Article
- Placing Greater Torque at Shorter or Longer Muscle Lengths? Effects of Cable vs. Barbell Preacher Curl Training on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy in Young Adults.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2020Article
- Muscle alterations induced by electrostimulation are lower at short quadriceps femoris length.European journal of applied physiology · 2020Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
purposeThere are suggestions that isometric resistance training (RT) produces highly angle-specific changes in strength with the greatest changes at the training angle, but these effects remain controversial with limited rigorous evidence, and the possible underpinning physiological mechanism(s) remain opaque. This study investigated the extent of angle-specific changes in strength and neuromuscular activation after RT in comparison to a control group.
methodsA RT group (n = 13) performed 14 isometric RT sessions at a knee-joint angle of 65° (0° is anatomical position) over a 4-week period, whilst a control group (CON, n = 9) maintained their habitual activity. Pre- and post-test sessions involved voluntary and evoked isometric knee extension contractions at five knee-joint angles (35°, 50°, 65°, 80° and 95°), while electromyography was recorded.
resultsRT group increased maximum voluntary torque (MVT) at the training angle (65°; + 12%) as well as 80° (+ 7%), 50° (+ 11%) and 35° (+ 5%). Joint-angle specificity was demonstrated within the RT group (MVT increased more at some angles vs. others), and also by more rigorous between-group comparisons (i.e., larger improvements after RT vs. CON at some angles than others). For the RT group, normalized EMG increased at three of the same joint angles as strength, but not for CON. Importantly, however, neither within- or between-group analyses provided evidence of joint angle-specific changes in activation.
conclusionIn conclusion, this study provides robust evidence for joint angle-specific strength gains after isometric RT, with weaker evidence that changes in neuromuscular activation may contribute to these adaptations.
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Registered trials
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