Eccentric Muscle Contraction

Author: Dr Peter de Souza
Last modified: 13 December 2020

Eccentric Muscle Contraction

This diagram is illustrating eccentric muscle contraction.

When muscles generate tension, they can either lengthen, shorten, or stay the same length. Muscle contraction is therefore classified into three main types:

  • Concentric muscle contraction – muscle shortens
  • Eccentric muscle contraction – muscle lengthens
  • Isometric muscle contraction – muscle remains the same length