In isometric contraction, the muscle length remains constant while the tension varies. In isotonic contraction, the tension is constant while the length of the muscle varies.What is the difference between Isotonic and Isometric Contraction? Here, the muscles contract to hold and stabilize the object yet there is no changing length of the muscles when holding them. Example of isometric movement involves gripping an object like a bat or racket. These exercises are not recommended for patients with high blood pressure as it can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure. Isometric contraction does not involve joint movement so that the patients requiring rehabilitation may perform isometric exercises to avoid painful movements. In this contraction, individual fibers get shorten even though the entire muscle does not change its length, thus isometric exercises help to strengthen the muscles. Therefore, in isometric concentration, when no object is moved, the external work done is zero. Here, the tension develops in the muscle, but the muscle does not shorten to move an object. In isometric contractions, the muscle length remains constant while the tension varies. The word ‘isometric’ implies constant or unchanging muscle length. Eccentric muscle contraction is important as it can prevent rapid changes in length that may damage muscle tissue and absorb shocks. In concentric contraction, the muscle shortens whereas, in eccentric contraction, the muscle lengthens during the contraction. Isotonic contraction can be further divided into two categories as concentric and eccentric. It involves muscle shortening and active contraction and relaxation of the muscles and occurs with movements such as walking, running, skipping etc. In this contraction, the tension developed is constant while the length of the muscle changes. The word ‘isotonic’ means equal tension or weight. Daily activities involve both isotonic and isometric contraction combinations of the muscles. Depending on the pattern of tension production, muscle contraction can be classified as isotonic contraction and isometric contraction. The contraction of cardiac and smooth muscles is, generally, involuntary while the skeletal muscle is under voluntary control. There are three muscle types present in vertebrates namely, smooth muscles, skeletal muscles, and cardiac muscles. These filaments are specialized for contraction. The unique, characteristic feature of muscle cell is the relative abundance and organization of actin and myosin filaments within the cells. Muscular system is very important as it can produce movement and provide protection and support for organs in the body.

Isometric exercises vs isotonic