Couldn't access the original paper easily, but in studies like this they might use specialized lab equipment -- that allows 'maximal voluntary eccentric contrac

Couldn't access the original paper easily, but in studies like this they might use specialized lab equipment -- that allows 'maximal voluntary eccentric contraction' more safely and easily than traditional dumbbell/barbell lifts. Basically it would complete the rep in, say, 1 second, while measuring the force you put out, but the machine is powerful enough to resist whatever force you put against it. They probably used the same machine to measure the results, that is, 'MVC-ECC, isometric (MVC-ISO), and concentric contraction (MVC-CON) torque of the elbow flexors' -- which would also be harder to do in a traditional gym setup.