eccentric muscle contraction

Introduction

Muscle contractions when muscle fibers are lengthening, as in lowering a weight.

May be isotonic or isokinetic.

Comparision of eccentric vs concentric contractions:

• force of output is greater with eccentric contraction
• risk of injury is greater with eccentric contraction
• muscle hypertrophy is greater with eccentric contraction

More general terms

• skeletal muscle contraction

Additional terms

• concentric muscle contraction