what is an eccentric contraction
eccentric contraction, a type of muscle contraction that occurs as the muscle fibers lengthen, such as when a weight is lowered through a range of motion.The contractile force generated by the muscle is weaker than an opposing force, which causes the muscle to stretch.Compare concentric contraction. type of muscle contraction that occurs as the muscle fibers lengthen, such as when a weight is lowered through a range of motion. The contractile force generated by the muscle is weaker than an opposing force, which causes the muscle to stretch. Compare concentric contraction.