The Claim
In resistance-trained athletes, 12 weeks of accentuated eccentric loading squat training results in a 14.0% increase in eccentric strength and a 9.3% increase in concentric strength.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Resistance-trained athletes who performed 12 weeks of squat training emphasizing the lowering phase showed a 14.0% gain in eccentric strength and a 9.3% gain in concentric strength.
See the scientific wording
In resistance-trained athletes, 12 weeks of accentuated eccentric loading squat training produces a 14.0% increase in eccentric strength and a 9.3% increase in concentric strength, indicating that eccentric-focused training may enhance both eccentric and concentric performance despite targeting the lowering phase.
When a person lowers a heavy weight slowly, the muscle and tendon stretch under tension, which activates sensors in the muscle that signal the brain to recruit more muscle fibers. This makes the nervous system more efficient at firing those fibers, both when lowering and lifting the weight. The tendon also becomes stiffer, storing and returning more energy during the upward phase, making lifting easier and stronger.
What the research says
1 studyWhen athletes trained by slowly lowering heavy weights during squats for 3 months, they got stronger at both lowering AND lifting the weight—even though they only practiced lowering. The study proves this surprising result.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.