During a squat, when the muscles lower the body, what type of contraction is primarily being used?

During a squat, when the muscles are lowering the body, the primary contraction occurring is eccentric contraction. This type of contraction happens when muscles lengthen under tension as they control the descent. In the squat movement, as you lower your body, muscles such as the quadriceps and hamstrings must lengthen while still remaining engaged to manage the load and ensure stability.

Eccentric contractions are crucial for activities that involve controlled movements against gravity, allowing the body to lower itself safely and effectively. The ability of the muscles to stretch while maintaining tension prevents uncontrolled falling and contributes to strength development as the muscles adapt to the stress placed on them during this phase of the squat.

This distinguishes it from concentric contraction, where muscles shorten to lift or push the body up, and isometric contraction, where there is no change in muscle length despite tension (like holding a static position). Dynamic contraction is a broader term that encompasses any movement involving muscle contractions, but in the specific context of lowering the body in a squat, eccentric is the precise term that defines the action taking place.