Eccentric contraction occurs when the total length of the muscle increases as tension is produced. For example, the lowering phase of a biceps curl constitutes an eccentric contraction. Muscles are capable of generating greater forces under eccentric conditions than under either isometric or concentric contractions.

When would a muscle contract eccentrically?

An eccentric (lengthening) muscle contraction occurs when a force applied to the muscle exceeds the momentary force produced by the muscle itself, resulting in the forced lengthening of the muscle-tendon system while contracting (Lindstedt et al., 2001).

What are examples of eccentric contraction?

Movements that employ eccentric contractions include walking down stairs, running downhill, lowering weights, and the downward motion of squats, push-ups or pull-ups.