Eccentric Activation and Muscle Damage: Biomechanical and Physiological Considerations During Downhill Running

Overview

Journal Br J Sports Med

Publisher BMJ Publishing Group

Specialty Orthopedics

Date 1995 Jun 1

PMID 7551767

Citations 46

Authors

R G Eston

J Mickleborough

V Baltzopoulos

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

An eccentric muscle activation is the controlled lengthening of the muscle under tension. Functionally, most leg muscles work eccentrically for some part of a normal gait cycle, to support the weight of the body against gravity and to absorb shock. During downhill running the role of eccentric work of the 'anti-gravity' muscles--knee extensors, muscles of the anterior and posterior tibial compartments and hip extensors--is accentuated. The purpose of this paper is to review the relationship between eccentric muscle activation and muscle damage, particularly as it relates to running, and specifically, downhill running.

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