Positive and Negative Resistance
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"Positive" is the concentric (shortening) phase and "negative" is the eccentric (lengthening) phase — the lifter's-eye names for the two dynamic actions.
Detail
Positive and negative resistance (Fleck & Kraemer, 1997) are the practical, training-floor names for the two dynamic muscle actions:
a. Positive / concentric action: a dynamic muscle action in which the whole muscle shortens and joint movement occurs — one in which the ends of the muscle are drawn closer together.
b. Negative / eccentric action: a dynamic action in which the active muscle is forcibly lengthened as it resists the external resistance — one in which the ends of the muscle are drawn further apart.
Notes carried in the source for the negative/eccentric action:
- Primary instigator of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
- "There is no such thing as 'Eccentric Contractions'."
Key facts
- Positive = concentric = whole muscle shortens, ends drawn closer, joint moves.
- Negative = eccentric = active muscle forcibly lengthened, ends drawn apart.
- Negative (eccentric) is the primary instigator of DOMS.
- The source rejects the phrase "eccentric contractions."
Connections
- concentric-action — the positive phase in full.
- eccentric-action — the negative phase in full.
- muscle-action-terminology — the broader "action vs. contraction" argument.
- muscle-soreness — DOMS, instigated by the negative phase.
Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.