Whats the difference between eccentric and concentric muscle contractions?
Concentric muscle contraction means that the muscle is getting shorter. The force against the muscle is more than the muscles ability to resist against it. An example of this exercise is to hold a weight and do a biceps curl. The biceps muscle contracts and shortens as it bends the elbow. Eccentric muscle contraction means that the muscle is getting longer. It starts from a position of contraction (shortened) and lengthens. Lowering a weight held in the hand after doing a biceps curl is an example of this. Both types of muscle contractions are used to improve strength.
