Final answer:
The type of loading that occurs when the load is held on the opposite side of the forward leg during a lunge is contralateral loading, focusing on balance and stability rather than specific muscle contraction types.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing a lunge with the load held on the opposite side of the forward leg, the type of loading is referred to as contralateral loading. In this scenario, the body is working to maintain balance and stability while the muscles on one side of the body are being loaded differently compared to the other. This can help in strengthening muscles and improving coordination and stability. It is not to be confused with concentric, eccentric, or isotonic loading, which are types of muscle contractions characterized by muscle shortening and lengthening under tension.