Contraction Types

Question 1

What is an Isometric Contraction?

Answer 1

Muscle tightens but does not change length, and joint does not move

Example: Pushing against a wall or holding a plank position

Question 2

What is an Concentric Contraction?

Answer 2

Muscle shortens as it tightens, bringing its ends closer together

Example: Lifting a dumbbell during a bicep curl

Question 3

What is an Eccentric Contraction?

Answer 3

Muscle lengthens while it tightens, controlling the movement

Example: Slowly lowering a dumbbell from a curl

Question 4

What is an Isoinertial Contraction?

Answer 4

Muscle works against a constant load as it changes length

Example: Lifting or lowering a dumbbell (load stays the same throughout movement)

Question 5

What is an Isokinetic Contraction?

Answer 5

Muscle contracts with max effort at a constant speed (needs special machine)

Example: Pushing or pulling on a Biodex machine at set speed

Question 6

What is an Econcentric Contraction?

Answer 6

Muscle shortens at one joint and lengthens at another joint at the same time

Example: Hamstrings during running: shorten at hip, lengthen at knee

Question 7

What is an Isolytic Contraction?

Answer 7

Muscle tries to contract, but is overpowered by external force, lengthens

Example: Lowering a weight that’s too heavy — the weight pulls your arm down