The recovery from injuries is a topic of great concern to all those who are dedicated to or have a passion for sports, as well as having the muscle well strengthened to avoid these problems. Mr. González Castelló, expert in Physiotherapy, talks about eccentric exercises as a technique increasingly applied to the recovery of injured muscle and tendons.
Eccentric exercises are those that have the function of maintaining an active tension from the contraction phase to the elongation phase.
Why are eccentric exercises performed?
These exercises are one of the most popular current options to work on the recovery of tendon-muscular tissue injuries, as well as to facilitate the regenerative mechanism, as well as the prevention of muscle and tendon injuries.
They are highly indicated for tendon and muscle regeneration. They are increasingly used in the field of sports injuries. The desire of athletes to be out of action as little as possible and to quickly return to competition has led to discussions on various methods of recovery, with eccentric exercises being considered a very effective and reliable method. And above all, to avoid injury relapses, so disabling.
What do eccentric exercises consist of?
Eccentric movement, at a muscular level, creates tension in the muscle microfibrils, which are found inside the muscle fibers. This gesture puts the connective tissue in evidence, besides being a more fatiguing movement than concentric contraction. In sports practice, injuries occur very frequently with eccentric load, so it is essential that the athlete adapts to this type of work.
Muscle activation is greater when the muscle works with eccentric load. We may think that it is a counterproductive movement, but it is not. What is done with these exercises is to stimulate a biological process to improve regeneration.
Benefits of eccentric exercises
The advantages of eccentric exercises are several, so it is recommended that athletes add them to their routine:
– Increases muscle strength and joint velocity.
– Increases strength and endurance, as well as tissue elasticity.
– Facilitates muscle lengthening, as well as improves tendon function.
– Improves readaptation to effort.
– Reduces the risk of muscle and tendon injuries.
– Improves the ability of muscle fibers to contract.
– Increases active muscle stiffness, improving explosive reactive strength.
– Improves concentric concentration response and aids neuromuscular control.