Muscle Contractions in Exercise Types

ASSESSMENT, TRAining, & Rehabilitation

IN Exercise types

Muscle cONTRACTIONS

+info

Isometric coNTRACTIONS

These contractions occur when muscles generate force without changing length.

• Common in static exercises like planks or wall sits

• Rehabilitation: to strengthen muscles without joint movement

• Example: Pushing against an immovable object

Next

Isotonic contractions

It involves changing muscle length with consistent tension. Example: Lifting and lowering weightsUseful for strength training and functional movementsThere are 2 types

Eccentric

Muscle LengthensIn the study provided it suggestsEccentric contractions, especially when performed at slower speeds, tend to induce greater muscle hypertrophy compared to concentric contractions. Eccentric training places more tension on the muscles, which is thought to stimulate greater growth.

Concenetric

Muscle ShortensThe study found that concentric contractions result in higher muscle activation when measured through electromyography (EMG). This indicates that more motor units are recruited during the shortening phase, even though eccentric contractions tend to produce more force.

+info

+info

both are beneficial

Both eccentric and concentric contractions lead to strength gains, but eccentric contractions show a superior impact, particularly when performed at moderate and fast speeds. Eccentric training allows for greater force production since muscles can handle more weight during the lengthening phase. This research has important implications for athletes, bodybuilders, and rehabilitation programs where maximizing muscle growth and strength is a priority

Isokinetic

• Typically is performed using specialized equipment like Cybex or Biodex

• Ideal for rehabilitation because of controlled resistance

• Allows for full range of motion at a set speed regardless of force applied.

Maintain a constant speed throughout the movement

+info

• Isometric: Best for early stage rehab, no joint movement

• Isotonic: Ideal for strength and endurance, involves movement

• Isokinetic: Controlled speed, suitable for advanced rehabilitation

• Eccentric: Effective for tendon rehabilitation, controls load

Comparison and Application in rehabilitation

• Kim, M. K., Choi, J. H., Gim, M. A., Kim, Y. H., & Yoo, K. T. (2015). Effects of different types of exercise on muscle activity and balance control. Journal of physical therapy science, 27(6), 1875–1881. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.27.1875

• [The Performance Lab]. (2023, June 20). Isokinetic strength testing [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/XRm5FweGaUU?si=C0THx6vYtciETVT6

• [No Limit Squad]. (2023, February 15). Understanding Isometric, Isokinetic, and Isotonic [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/PTHOLc1CuZU?si=lGO0iyiOyLtKR7u9

• [Muscle and Motion]. (2023, August 24). Type of muscle contraction [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAQABuMxHec

• [Corporis]. (2021, April 12). Easiest Way to Remember Contraction Types: Concentric vs Eccentric vs Isometric | Corporis [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/gCyNj-Upbe4?si=TH6Xkc1jvFWuKnIG

• [Physionline]. (2021, May 17). Muscle contractions (concentric, eccentric and isometric) [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/qpbr4zBrguI?si=oRxNVs52CgfTGjm9

Citations