As a professional, it is important to understand the proper definition of terms relevant to the topic being discussed. One such term that is commonly used in the fitness industry is « eccentric contraction ». So, what is the definition of eccentric contraction?

Eccentric contraction is a type of muscle contraction that occurs when a muscle is lengthening under tension, as opposed to shortening. This means that the muscle is still contracting, but instead of getting shorter, it is getting longer.

For example, when you lower a weight during a bicep curl, your bicep muscle is undergoing an eccentric contraction. The muscle is still exerting force to control the weight, but it is doing so while lengthening instead of shortening.

Eccentric contractions are important for muscle strength and development because they create tension and micro-tears in the muscle fibers, which then rebuild and become stronger during the recovery process.

In addition to being important for muscle growth, eccentric contractions are also used as a therapeutic tool in physical therapy. By focusing on the eccentric phase of a movement, physical therapists can help patients recover from injuries and improve their range of motion.

Overall, eccentric contraction is an essential component of muscle function and development. Understanding this term can help fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike to better understand the science behind their training techniques, and can even inform injury prevention and recovery efforts.