stretch-shortening cycle


stretch-shortening cycle

An eccentric muscle contraction followed immediately by a concentric contraction of the same muscle group. The elastic potentiation that occurs during the eccentric phase increases the force of output of the concentric contraction. These exercises replicate functional movement patterns and are typically used in the advance phase of rehabilitation, particularly in sports rehab. Exercises incorporating this phenomenon are called plyometrics. See: plyometricsSee also: cycle