How does eccentric training help prevent injuries?

• A. Increases energy expenditure
• B. Improves ability of muscle to absorb dissipate forces
• C. Increases muscle strength
• D. Reduces range of motion

Answer: (B)

The main idea is how muscles handle forces when they lengthen under load. Eccentric training focuses on controlled lengthening of the muscle while it’s contracting, which trains the muscle-tendon unit to absorb and dissipate energy during high‑force events like landing, decelerating, or changing direction. With better energy absorption, the peak stresses transmitted to joints, tendons, and ligaments are reduced, lowering the risk of injury.

Other options miss this mechanism. Energy expenditure is not the key protective factor—eccentric work is often metabolically efficient. Simply increasing overall muscle strength helps, but the specific injury‑preventive effect comes from improved ability to absorb and dissipate forces. Reducing range of motion isn’t a goal and isn’t how eccentric training prevents injuries.