Your patient holds a weight in his right hand. Consider only the muscle activity of the elbow flexors. What type of muscle contraction would occur if TM = 400 N, and TL = 500 N, and motion is in the direction of elbow extension?

(TM = torque of muscle; TL = torque of load)
a. Isometric
b. Concentric
c. Eccentric
d. Synergistic

ANS: C
In a condition where the torque of the load is greater than the torque of the muscle, an eccentric
contraction would occur. This is a lengthening type of contraction that acts as a brake to control
the movement of the lever with gravity.