Training interventions aimed at enhancing muscle performance induce architectural changes in the muscle-tendon complex, including alterations in fascicle length, pennation angle, muscle thickness, and muscle volume. Through different approaches, such as eccentric and plyometric training, it is possible to target architectural adaptations. This review compares the effects of eccentric and plyometric training on muscle architecture. A systematic search of the PubMed (Medline) database identified experimental studies examining the long-term effects of these training modalities. Ten studies published between 2009 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that high-intensity eccentric training with a higher number of repetitions and a slow execution tempo, performed to or near failure, increases fascicle length. In contrast, plyometric training appears to lead to greater increases in fascicle length when performed more frequently and at higher intensity over a shorter period, compared to lower-intensity protocols. Eccentric training is associated with a decrease in pennation angle, whereas plyometric training shows a trend toward increasing it. Additionally, longer-term eccentric training, combined with a higher number of weekly sessions, leads to increases in muscle thickness and volume, while plyometric training with a greater volume of jumps may also have a positive effect on these outcomes. The literature review suggests that both training methods elicit specific architectural adaptations. However, further research is needed to precisely define training parameters while addressing some methodological limitations present in existing studies.
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