Research

Mixed

Eccentric resistance training primarily increases muscle fascicle length (serial sarcomere addition), whereas concentric resistance training primarily increases pennation angle (parallel sarcomere addition).

To optimize specific functional goals, consider the structural changes: eccentric training lengthens the muscle fibers (fascicles), which may improve range of motion and force at longer lengths. Concentric training packs fibers more densely (pennation), which may improve force production at shorter lengths. For general aesthetics, either works, but for sport-specific range of motion, eccentric emphasis might be beneficial.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
ECC results in a markedly greater increase in fascicle length (Lf) while CON promotes greater changes in pennation angle (PA), likely reflecting the differential addition of sarcomeres either in series or in parallel, respectively.
Martino V. Franchi et al. · Frontiers in Physiology · 2017

Why this rating

Supported by multiple ultrasound studies cited in the review showing distinct architectural changes.

Source

Skeletal Muscle Remodeling in Response to Eccentric vs. Concentric Loading: Morphological, Molecular, and Metabolic Adaptations

Martino V. Franchi et al. · Frontiers in Physiology · 2017

DOI 10.3389/fphys.2017.00447

narrative_reviewCited 393×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →