Which contraction involves lengthening of the muscle under tension?

Which contraction involves lengthening of the muscle under tension?

• A. A Concentric
• B. B Eccentric
• C. C Isometric
• D. D Plyometric

Answer: (B)

Longening of the muscle under tension is what happens during an eccentric contraction. In this type, the muscle lengthens while it still produces force as you control the lowering of a load or slow down a movement—think about the downward phase of a bicep curl or the descent in a squat. The muscle must resist the external force while it lengthens, which is why the work is considered negative. The other options don’t fit this description: a concentric contraction shortens the muscle under tension, an isometric contraction maintains muscle length while producing force, and plyometric refers to a training method that uses rapid stretch and shortening cycles rather than a single contraction type.

Longening of the muscle under tension is what happens during an eccentric contraction. In this type, the muscle lengthens while it still produces force as you control the lowering of a load or slow down a movement—think about the downward phase of a bicep curl or the descent in a squat. The muscle must resist the external force while it lengthens, which is why the work is considered negative. The other options don’t fit this description: a concentric contraction shortens the muscle under tension, an isometric contraction maintains muscle length while producing force, and plyometric refers to a training method that uses rapid stretch and shortening cycles rather than a single contraction type.