Optimisation of Eccentric Exercises

After being informed of the aims, nature and possible risks of the study, written informed consent will be obtained from the subjects. Prior to enrolment, volunteers will undergo a medical evaluation that includes a review of personal and family medical history, any current medications, and a standard physical examination. Compliance with the inclusion/exclusion criteria will be checked during this examination. After enrolment, subjects will perform a treadmill familiarization session. Experimental days: * Subjects will complete a 45-minute walking exercise on a negative gradient treadmill (6 km/h) in a randomised 2-way cross-over design with either a -10% or -20% gradient. * Blood will be sampled immediately pre-exercise, 1-h and 24-h post-exercise for the analysis of muscle myokines. * Exercise-induced muscle fatigue in lower limbs will be evaluated using squat and counter-movement jumps immediately before and post-exercise. * Heart-rate variability will be measured during the eccentric exercise session. * Thigh muscle volume will be measured immediately before and post-exercise. * Exercise-induced myalgia at 24-, 48-, 72- and 96h will be assessed using a visual analogue scale.