Which way are the quadriceps contracted during the downward phase of the deadlift?

Answer: The quads are contracted eccentricly

The muscle contraction can be divided into three groups:

1. eccentric

2. concentric

3. isometric

The eccentric muscle contractions cause the muscles to be lengthen and elongated and generates a greater opposing force. During the Downward phase of the deadlift, the downwards movement of the quadriceps makes them elongate to support the weight person is lifting.

So, the correct answer is eccentric muscle contractions.