Eccentric
There are two main features to note regarding eccentric contractions. First, the absolute tensions achieved can be very high relative to the muscle's maximum tetanic tension generating capacity (you can set down a much heavier object than you can lift). Second, the absolute tension is relatively independent of lengthening velocity. This suggests that skeletal muscles are very resistant to lengthening, thereby allowing very high levels of tension to develop as can occur in isometric exercise.
Muscle injury and soreness are selectively associated with eccentric contraction (Fridén et al. 1984; Evans et al. 1985; Fridén and Lieber, 1992). However, muscle strengthening may be greatest using exercises that involve eccentric contractions because high levels of tension generate the signals for muscle strengthening.
Read more about this topic: Isotonic (exercise Physiology)
Famous quotes containing the word eccentric:
“It was when the trees were leafless first in November
And their blackness became apparent, that one first
Knew the eccentric to be the base of design.”
—Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)
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—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
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