Eccentric activation and muscle damage: biomechanical and physiological considerations during downhill running.
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.
Eston
R G
RG
Division of Health and Human Performance, University of Wales, Bangor, UK.
Mickleborough
J
J
Baltzopoulos
V
V
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006112:Gravitation; D006615:Hip / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000502:physiology; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013977:Tibia / Q000502:physiology