There is a growing body of evidence showing the importance of physical activity against
civilization-induced metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity.
Eccentric contraction, when skeletal muscles generate force by lengthening, is a unique
type of skeletal muscle activity. Eccentric contraction may lead to better power production
characteristics of the muscle because eccentric contraction requires less energy and
can result in higher tension. Therefore, it is an ideal tool in the rehabilitation
program of patients. However, the complex metabolic effect (i.e., fat mass reduction,
increased lipid oxidation, improvement in blood lipid profile, and increased insulin
sensitivity) of the eccentric contraction alone has scarcely been investigated. This
paper aims to review the current literature to provide information on whether eccentric
contraction can influence metabolic health and body composition in T2DM or obesity.
We also discussed the potential role of myokines in mediating the effects of eccentric
exercise. A better understanding of the mechanism of eccentric training and particularly
their participation in the regulation of metabolic diseases may widen their possible
therapeutic use and, thereby, may support the fight against the leading global risks
for mortality in the world.
