Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA) Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

Question: 1 / 400

What type of muscle contraction occurs when a muscle lengthens under tension?

Concentric contraction

Eccentric contraction

A muscle lengthening under tension is known as an eccentric contraction. This type of contraction occurs when the force exerted by the muscle is less than the external force acting upon it, resulting in the muscle gradually stretching. An everyday example of this would be the downward phase of a bicep curl, where the bicep muscle is controlling the weight as it lowers, lengthening while still active.

In contrast, a concentric contraction involves a muscle shortening as it contracts, typically when overcoming resistance. Isometric contraction refers to a scenario where the muscle generates force without changing length, maintaining a static position, while isokinetic contraction describes a movement at a constant speed across the entire range of motion. Understanding the differences between these types of contractions is essential in designing effective training programs and rehabilitation protocols.

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Isometric contraction

Isokinetic contraction

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