AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Why is eccentric training significant for muscle development?

1. It focuses solely on muscle shortening

2. It helps improve balance and coordination

3. It emphasizes controlled muscle lengthening

4. It isolates specific muscle groups

The correct answer is: It emphasizes controlled muscle lengthening

Eccentric training is significant for muscle development because it emphasizes controlled muscle lengthening during exercise. This type of training occurs when a muscle generates force while it is being elongated; for example, when lowering a weight during a bicep curl. Eccentric movements are generally capable of producing more force than concentric contractions (muscle shortening), which can lead to greater muscle damage and hypertrophy, as well as improved strength over time. This controlled lengthening provides a unique stimulus to the muscle fibers, facilitating adaptations that support overall muscle growth, strength, and stability. Focusing solely on muscle shortening would not encompass the full benefits of muscle development, as it ignores the importance of lengthening phases that are crucial in stabilizing and strengthening muscles. Improving balance and coordination is beneficial in a broader sense but does not specifically address the role of eccentric training in muscle development. Isolating specific muscle groups is more characteristic of certain training techniques but does not capture the essence of what eccentric training offers in terms of muscle lengthening and the associated physiological benefits.