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British Journal of Sports Medicine logoLink to British Journal of Sports Medicine
. 1995 Jun;29(2):89–94. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.29.2.89

Eccentric activation and muscle damage: biomechanical and physiological considerations during downhill running.

R G Eston 1, J Mickleborough 1, V Baltzopoulos 1
PMCID: PMC1332286  PMID: 7551767

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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Selected References

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