Introduction
long-term neuromuscular adaptations, neuromuscular behavior, hypertrophy
HYPERTROPHY
Resistance training (RT) promotes a plethora of health- and functional-related benefits including improvements in muscle strength, power, hypertrophy, and various cardiometabolic markers, among othersRT programs must incorporate the principle of progressive overload to elicit continued adaptations over time. Simply stated, progressive overload involves successively placing greater than normal demands on the exercising musculatureEccentric actions, which involve forcible lengthening of the working muscles, allow the use of higher absolute loads compared to concentric actions. Although the mechanisms are not entirely clear, EO (i.e., performing eccentric actions with loads in excess of concentric training) has been shown to enhance acute anabolic signaling and satellite cell activation, as well as long-term neuromuscular adaptations compared to traditional DCER protocolsVR training can take on several forms including the use of chains, bands, and pneumatic apparatus. One of the more novel applications of the concept involves attempting to match the applied resistance to human strength curves throughout a given range of motion during RT. Specifically, various machines have been designed to provide increased resistance in the joint angles where muscles can exert greater levels of torque and decreased resistance where muscles produce less torqueModern technology has facilitated the ability to make advanced training methods more accessible to the general public. A consumer-oriented unit called Tonal incorporates various advanced training features, including EO and VR, via the use of computerized electromagnetic resistance. However, no study to date has investigated the efficacy of these features in comparison to traditional training methods.Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a popular research tool for investigating various aspects of muscle mechanics. Among its applications, sEMG can help to provide insights into neuromuscular behavior during exercise performance