Acute neuromuscular responses to a resistance exercise session performed using the DeLorme and Oxford techniques

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine and compare acute neuromuscular behavior during a resistance exercise session (RES) conducted with the DeLorme and Oxford techniques.MethodsSeven healthy and trained participants volunteered to carry out two RES, one week apart, of unilateral elbow flexion. Each session was conducted with the DeLorme or Oxford techniques in a counterbalanced order. Electromyographic (EMG) data were recorded from the biceps brachii (BB) and triceps brachii (TRIC) during a maximal isometric voluntary contraction. Normalized EMG amplitude from BB and TRIC and the co-contraction ratio (CCR) during the concentric and eccentric phases were calculated.ResultsThe EMG amplitude from BB and TRIC as well as the CCR of both the concentric and eccentric phases were similar in both techniques. Additionally, normalized EMG amplitude from BB was higher during the concentric phase when compared with the eccentric phase for both techniques, supporting the hypotheses of distinct neural control for concentric and eccentric phases of movement. The DeLorme and Oxford techniques induced similar acute neuromuscular responses during the RES.ConclusionsOur results may support previous findings on similar strength gains after resistance training performed with both analyzed techniques.