CMP Kinesiology & Biomechanics 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which plane of motion divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections?
- Sagittal plane
- Frontal (coronal) plane (Correct answer)
- Transverse plane
- Oblique plane
Correct answer: Frontal (coronal) plane
The frontal (coronal) plane divides the body into front and back halves, and movements in this plane include abduction and adduction.
Question 2: What term describes the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body?
- Adduction
- Abduction (Correct answer)
- Flexion
- Circumduction
Correct answer: Abduction
Abduction is the movement of a body part away from the midline, such as raising the arm out to the side.
Question 3: Which muscles are primarily responsible for hip extension during walking?
- Hip flexors and rectus femoris
- Quadriceps and sartorius
- Gluteus maximus and hamstrings (Correct answer)
- Tibialis anterior and peroneals
Correct answer: Gluteus maximus and hamstrings
The gluteus maximus and hamstring group are the primary hip extensors, propelling the body forward during gait.
Question 4: What is the primary function of synergist muscles?
- To oppose the prime mover
- To assist the prime mover in performing a movement (Correct answer)
- To produce the majority of joint stabilization
- To initiate movement before the agonist fires
Correct answer: To assist the prime mover in performing a movement
Synergist muscles assist the prime mover (agonist) by contributing to the same movement or by stabilizing to allow more efficient action.
Question 5: In muscle anatomy, the term 'origin' refers to:
- The distal and more movable attachment point
- The belly or midpoint of the muscle
- The proximal and relatively fixed attachment point (Correct answer)
- The tendon connecting muscle to bone at the insertion
Correct answer: The proximal and relatively fixed attachment point
The origin is the proximal, relatively stationary attachment of a muscle, while the insertion is the distal, more movable end.
Question 6: Which type of muscle contraction occurs when the muscle generates tension while lengthening under load?
- Concentric contraction
- Isometric contraction
- Eccentric contraction (Correct answer)
- Isotonic contraction
Correct answer: Eccentric contraction
Eccentric contraction occurs when a muscle lengthens while still producing force, such as the hamstrings during the lowering phase of a squat.
Question 7: Which body mechanics position best protects a massage therapist's lower back during table work?
- Bent forward at the waist with knees locked
- Feet parallel and close together for stability
- Wide stance with slightly bent knees and a straight, neutral spine (Correct answer)
- Twisted torso with one foot forward to increase reach
Correct answer: Wide stance with slightly bent knees and a straight, neutral spine
A wide stance with slightly flexed knees and a neutral spine allows the therapist to use body weight effectively while protecting the lumbar spine.
CMP Kinesiology & Biomechanics 1
Which plane of motion divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections?