The module briefly covered eccentric contractions. I was reading Oxygen Magazine and it said that the eccentric contractions should be emphasized over the concentric contraction. If this is true why so?
Jill, a happy Thursday evening to you. With regard to your question, consider the following as it pertains to eccentric contractions. The rate of fatigue depends on the type of resistance and how it is applied with concentric strength deteriorating more rapidly and asymmetrically then eccentric. In an eccentric contraction (often known as a yielding contraction), the muscle lengthens (stretches) as it contracts. The more the muscle lengthens or the faster it is stretched the greater the tension that is developed. The eccentric contraction can generate up to 50% greater tension than the concentric. This is why the eccentric contraction is so powerful not only in controlling and stopping movement, but also in generating sufficient tension in the muscles for them to contract explosively. While it is important it does not need to be emphasized over the concentric contraction.
We hope this helps to shed some light on the matter.
