14 Computational Modelling of Biomechanics and Biotribology
Coupling with tendons, muscles act as the contractile components to drive
human body motions. In general, according to either length changes or force
levels, a skeletal muscle has the following contraction types:
Concentric contraction, the force generated is suf cient to overcome the •
resistance, and the muscle shortens as it contracts.
Eccentric contraction, the force generated is insuf cient to overcome the •
external load on the muscle and the muscle bers lengthen as they con-
tract. An eccentric contraction often happens when decelerating a body
part or object, or lowering a load gently rather than letting it drop.
Isometric contraction, the muscle remains the ...