What is the Difference Between Eccentric and Concentric?

The main difference between eccentric and concentric contractions lies in the direction of the muscle movement and the tension generated during the contraction. There are two types of isotonic contractions: concentric and eccentric:

• Concentric contraction: In this type of contraction, the muscle tension rises to meet the resistance and remains stable as the muscle shortens. This occurs when the muscle fibers contract, and the resistance is less than the force produced by the muscle. For example, during a bicep curl, the concentric phase is when you raise the weight up.
• Eccentric contraction: During an eccentric contraction, the muscle lengthens as the resistance becomes greater than the force the muscle is producing. This occurs when the muscle fibers contract, and the resistance is greater than the force produced by the muscle. For example, during a bicep curl, the eccentric phase is when you lower the weight back down.

While eccentric contractions are often considered to produce a higher increase in muscle hypertrophy, the difference in effect is very small, and the importance of concentric contractions should not be overlooked. Both types of contractions can contribute to muscle growth and strength, and incorporating a mix of concentric and eccentric exercises into your workout routine can help optimize your training results.

Comparative Table: Eccentric vs Concentric

Here is a table comparing the differences between eccentric and concentric contractions:

• Eccentric contractions involve the lengthening of the muscle, while concentric contractions involve the shortening of the muscle.
• Both eccentric and concentric contractions involve increasing muscle tension.
• Eccentric and concentric contractions are both types of isotonic contractions, which mean that the muscle's tension remains consistent while the muscle length changes.
• Eccentric contractions occur when the resistance is greater than the force the muscle can generate, while concentric contractions occur when the resistance is less than or equal to the muscle force.
• Examples of eccentric contractions include the controlled lowering of a weight, while concentric contractions involve lifting a weight.