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Eccentric Contraction

By Jonathan Cluett, M.D., About.com

Created: January 19, 2004

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: An eccentric contraction occurs when a muscle is contracting, and an external force is trying to lengthen the muscle. The classic mechanism for a muscle strain is an eccentric contraction.

Eccentric contractions are the common cause of injuries such as a groin pull or hamstring strain.

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