Concentric vs. Eccentric Contraction
Format: Animation
Audience: Undergraduate Students (kinesiology, dentistry, anatomy, 1st year medical)
Committee: Dr. Shelley Wall, Dr. Judi Laprade
Audience: Undergraduate Students (kinesiology, dentistry, anatomy, 1st year medical)
Committee: Dr. Shelley Wall, Dr. Judi Laprade
The basics of muscle contraction are widely understood: when a muscle contracts, it shortens, changing the angle of the joint. This is termed concentric contraction, and is characterized by a shortening of the muscle. Eccentric contraction however, is a form of contraction characterized by a lengthening of the muscle, and therefore can be difficult for some students to understand. Eccentric contraction is key in our ability to resist gravity. This animation visualizes the differences between concentric and eccentric contraction, combining students knowledge of movement at both the gross anatomical scale as well as at the molecular level. Primarily a teaching tool for lectures, this animation is divided into chapters, and includes an application section to test the students understanding. It can also be used for individual study and review.
CHAPTERS:
1. Introduction 2. Overview: Types of Contractions 3. Levels of Muscle Organization 4. Molecular Level 5. Standing Up [Application Question] 6. Sitting Down [Application Question] 7. Walking Up Stairs [Application Question] 8. Walking Down Stairs [Application Question] 9. Summary & Conclusion 10. Credits |