The objective was to compare the magnitude of the repeated bout effect (RBE) induced by an eccentric exercise session (EES) between the knee extensors and elbow flexors. Twelve male subjects were divided into two groups, arms (AG) and legs (LG), and executed two EES. We collected three markers of muscle damage, they were, isometric peak torque (IPT), creatine kinase (CK) and subjective perception of pain (PSD) before, immediately after (except CK) and 48 hours after each EES. Significant decrease in PTI was found as well as significant increase in CK and PSD both immediately and 48 hours after the first EES for the AG. In the LG there was a significant increase in CK 48 hours after, and PSD immediately after the first EES. In the AG, the second EES caused a drop of only PTI immediately after it, while the LG presented a significant increase only in PSD immediately after the second EES. RBE was found only for CK in both groups. We concluded that the RBE was higher in the AG compared to the LG. This phenomenon may have occurred over the existence of a protection for the LG, since this member performs intense eccentric contractions more frequently in day-to-day, compared to AG.
Muscle damage; Repeated Bout Effect; Eccentric contractions
