It is known that the maximal forces applied during eccentric movements
are generally higher than the maximal forces applied in concentric or
isometric contractions. In training theory this phenomenon has so far
been regarded as a deficit: that means, a subject with high eccentric
vs. isometric force values is in a bad training state. In the article
the hypothesis is tested, whether the phenomenon can also be viewed a
s a gain. To test this hypothesis a new leg press station was develope
d, which creates an overload by means of a motor. With this apparatus
the subject can be forced into an eccentric movement, even with maximu
m resistance of the subject. The experiments on this apparatus reveal
that greater end velocities can be reached during an eccentric-concent
ric movement sequence, and that the gain hypothesis can, therefore, be
confirmed.