What is isometric contraction?

Isometric contraction is a type of muscle contraction in which the muscle generates tension but does not change length. This occurs when the muscle is activated and develops force but is held at a fixed length, resulting in no visible movement of the joint. This type of contraction is significant in various activities, including stabilizing joints and maintaining posture.

During an isometric contraction, the internal tension in the muscle can increase, but since the external force equals the internal tension, the muscle length remains constant. This concept differentiates isometric contractions from other types, such as concentric contractions, where the muscle shortens as it contracts, and eccentric contractions, where the muscle lengthens while generating force.

Understanding isometric contractions is essential in fields such as rehabilitation, strength training, and sports conditioning, as they can effectively help improve muscle strength without putting undue stress on joints.