CROSS-EDUCATION AFTER HIGH-FREQUENCY VERSUS LOW-FREQUENCY VOLUME-MATCHED HANDGRIP TRAINING

Introduction: Cross-education training programs cause interlimb asymmetry of strength and hypertrophy. We examined the cross-education effects from a high-frequency (HF) versus a low-frequency (LF) volume-matched handgrip training program on interlimb asymmetry. Methods: Right-handed participants completed either HF (n = 10; 2 x 6 repetitions 10 times per week) or LF (n = 9; 5 x 8 repetitions 3 times per week) training. Testing occurred twice before and once after 4 weeks of right-handed isometric handgrip training totaling 120 weekly repetitions. Measures were maximal isometric handgrip and wrist flexion torque, muscle thickness, and muscle activation (electromyography; EMG). Results: Grip strength was greater in both limbs posttraining, pooled across groups (P < 0.001). Trained limb muscle thickness increased in both groups (P < 0.05; untrained, P = 0.897). EMG and wrist flexion torque did not change (all P > 0.103). Discussion: Both LF and HF induced cross-education of grip strength to the untrained limb, but HF did not reduce asymmetry. These findings have implications for injury rehabilitation.