AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Which condition is primarily associated with performing eccentric muscle contractions?

1. Muscle strain

2. DOMS

3. Acute injury

4. Tendonitis

The correct answer is: DOMS

The condition primarily associated with performing eccentric muscle contractions is Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Eccentric contractions occur when a muscle-lengthening action happens while it is under tension, which often leads to micro-tears in the muscle fibers. This is common during activities that require the muscle to control movement while lengthening, such as lowering weights or running downhill. DOMS is characterized by soreness and stiffness that typically appears 24 to 48 hours after the exercise, particularly after unfamiliar or intense eccentric exercise. The muscle damage caused by these contractions triggers an inflammatory response, leading to the sensation of soreness. In contrast, while muscle strains, acute injuries, and tendonitis can also occur due to various forms of exercise, they do not specifically highlight the effects of eccentric muscle contractions in the same way that DOMS does. Thus, the association of DOMS with eccentric muscle contractions makes it the correct choice in this context.