What is the eccentric phase during muscle contraction?

The eccentric phase during muscle contraction refers to the lengthening of the muscle while it is still under tension. This typically occurs when a muscle is generating force to control the lowering of a weight or resistance, such as when you lower a dumbbell in a bicep curl. During this phase, the muscle fibers are active and engaged as they elongate to manage the load, which can lead to increased muscle strength and hypertrophy over time.

Understanding this phase is critical for trainers, as it highlights the importance of incorporating both eccentric and concentric movements in training regimens to optimize performance and prevent injuries. The other responses reflect different types of muscle contractions but do not accurately describe the eccentric phase.