Eccentric Loading Protocols
How to use VOLTRA I's eccentric overload and concentric-only settings for tendinopathy management, deceleration training, and injury prevention programming.
Eccentric loading on VOLTRA I
Within Weight Training Mode, VOLTRA I offers two eccentric-specific settings:
Eccentric Overload — Adds a configurable percentage of additional resistance during the lowering (eccentric) phase. For example, set 50 lbs concentric with +20% eccentric, and the lowering phase loads at ~60 lbs. Adjustable by percentage or absolute load.
Concentric-Only — Eliminates resistance on the return phase entirely. The cable retracts with zero load, then re-engages for the next concentric pull. Useful for concentric-only protocols, fatigue reduction, or when eccentric loading is contraindicated.
Both settings are accessed by tapping the small settings icon on the Weight Training Mode screen and toggling Eccentric. This is a significant practical advantage over traditional equipment, where eccentric overload typically requires training partners, specialized machines, or manual load manipulation.
Clinical applications
Tendinopathy management
Eccentric loading is a well-established component of tendinopathy rehabilitation. VOLTRA I allows precise eccentric dose prescription that would be difficult to achieve with free weights:
Set the concentric load at a comfortable level, then add eccentric overload incrementally (start with +10–15%, progress as tolerated).
The 1 lb increment precision means you can progress loading in smaller steps than traditional equipment allows — particularly useful in the early stages when load tolerance is variable.
The Concentric-Only option can be used as a starting point for patients who aren't yet tolerating eccentric load, then gradually introduce eccentric resistance as symptoms allow.
Applicable to Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, lateral epicondylalgia, and rotator cuff tendinopathy protocols.
Deceleration training
Eccentric capacity is a key component of injury prevention, particularly for ACL injury risk reduction and hamstring strain prevention. VOLTRA I's eccentric overload setting allows you to specifically target the deceleration component:
Use moderate-to-high eccentric overload (+20–40%) to train the body's ability to absorb force.
The Damper Mode can also be used for deceleration work — the velocity-dependent resistance naturally creates higher loads during faster movements, training reactive braking capacity.
Cable-based eccentric work is generally lower-risk than plyometric or drop-based deceleration training, making it appropriate for earlier introduction in a return-to-sport program.
Post-surgical progressive loading
After procedures where early eccentric loading is beneficial but needs careful dosing (e.g., rotator cuff repair beyond the initial protection phase, ACL reconstruction), the ability to precisely set eccentric load as a percentage provides a structured progression pathway:
Phase 1: Concentric-only (zero eccentric load) during initial healing.
Phase 2: Matched concentric/eccentric (standard Weight Training Mode, no overload).
Phase 3: Progressive eccentric overload (+10%, +15%, +20%) as tissue tolerance improves.
Each phase transition can be guided by clinical criteria (pain, swelling, functional milestones) with the assurance that the eccentric dose is precisely controlled.
Programming considerations
Eccentric overload increases delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), especially in deconditioned patients. Introduce gradually and monitor response over 24–48 hours.
The Assist Mode safety feature remains active during eccentric overload — if the patient stalls during the eccentric phase, the device will reduce load automatically.
Track eccentric loads in the session data (exported via CSV) to document dosing for clinical notes.
For tendinopathy protocols specifically, consider pairing VOLTRA I eccentric work with isometric holds (using Isometric Mode) as a pain management strategy within the same session.
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