In an isotonic contraction, tension remains unchanged and the muscle's length changes.

Lifting
an object at a constant speed is an example of isotonic contractions. A near isotonic contraction
is known as Auxotonic contraction.

There are two types of isotonic contractions: (1) concentric and (2) eccentric. In a concentric
contraction, the muscle tension rises to meet the resistance, then remains the same as the muscle
shortens. In eccentric, the muscle lengthens due to the resistance being greater than the force the
muscle is producing.

Contents
[hide]

• 1 Concentric
• 2 Eccentric
• 3 Auxotonic Contraction
• 4 See also

• 5 External links

[edit] Concentric
This type is typical of most exercise. The external force on the muscle is less than the force the
muscle is generating - a shortening contraction. The effect is not visible during the classic biceps
curl, which is in fact auxotonic because the resistance (the weight being lifted) does not remain
the same through the exercise. Tension is highest at a parallel to the floor level, and eases off
above and below this point. Therefore tension changes as well as muscle length.

[edit] Eccentric
There are two main features to note regarding eccentric contractions. First, the absolute tensions
achieved can be very high relative to the muscle's maximum tetanic tension generating capacity
(you can set down a much heavier object than you can lift). Second, the absolute tension is
relatively independent of lengthening velocity. This suggests that skeletal muscles are very
resistant to lengthening, thereby allowing very high levels of tension to develop as can occur in
isometric exercise.

Muscle injury and soreness are selectively associated with eccentric contraction (Fridén et al.
1984; Evans et al. 1985; Fridén and Lieber, 1992). However, muscle strengthening may be
greatest using exercises that involve eccentric contractions because high levels of tension
generate the signals for muscle strengthening.

[edit] Auxotonic Contraction

This is almost an isotonic contraction because, there is some fluctuation towards the end of the
contraction. For example, the heart muscle ventricles contract to expel blood into the pulmonary
artery and aorta. As the blood flows out, the previous built up load is now decreased and hence
less force is required to expel the rest of the blood. Thus the tension is reduced.