In muscle action terminology, what does the term "negative" refer to when a tactical athlete is performing movements?

The term "negative" in muscle action terminology specifically refers to eccentric muscle action. During an eccentric contraction, the muscle lengthens while it is under tension, which typically occurs when a muscle is resisting a force that is greater than the force it is producing. This action is vital in movements that involve lowering a load, decelerating movement, or controlling the descent phase of an exercise, such as lowering weights back to the ground after a lift.

In tactical training, understanding eccentric muscle action is crucial because it plays a significant role in injury prevention and performance enhancement. Eccentric training can strengthen tendons, improve muscle elasticity, and enhance overall strength, all of which are essential in tactical environments where athletes must perform in challenging and dynamic conditions.

The other terms represent different types of muscle actions: concentric is when the muscle shortens, isometric is when the muscle length remains the same while under tension, and explosive refers to movements that require quick and forceful muscle contractions, often overlapping with concentric actions.