Free NCCPT Applied Science and Kinesiology Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client is performing a dumbbell biceps curl. During the upward phase of the exercise, as the weight is lifted towards the shoulder, which muscle acts as the antagonist and what type of contraction is the biceps brachii performing?
- Triceps brachii, Eccentric
- Triceps brachii, Concentric (Correct answer)
- Biceps brachii, Isometric
- Deltoid, Isotonic
Correct answer: Triceps brachii, Concentric
During the upward (flexion) phase of a biceps curl, the biceps brachii is the prime mover (agonist) and shortens, which is a concentric contraction. The opposing muscle, the triceps brachii, must relax and lengthen to allow this movement, making it the antagonist.
Question 2: A lateral raise, where the arms are abducted away from the midline of the body, occurs primarily in which plane of motion?
- Sagittal
- Transverse
- Frontal (Correct answer)
- Oblique
Correct answer: Frontal
The frontal plane, also known as the coronal plane, divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) halves. Movements in this plane include abduction, adduction, and side-bending. A lateral raise involves moving the arms out to the side, which is abduction in the frontal plane.
Question 3: Which of the following scenarios best describes an isometric muscle action?
- Lowering a barbell slowly during a bench press.
- Performing a squat and rising back to the starting position.
- Sprinting at maximum velocity.
- Holding a plank position. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Holding a plank position.
An isometric muscle action occurs when a muscle generates tension without changing its length, resulting in no joint movement. Holding a plank requires the core and other stabilizing muscles to contract and produce force to maintain a static position against gravity, which is a classic example of an isometric action.
Question 4: According to the principles of biomechanics, a force that causes rotation around an axis is known as what?
- Torque (Correct answer)
- Inertia
- Velocity
- Momentum
Correct answer: Torque
In biomechanics, torque (or a moment of force) is the rotational equivalent of linear force. It is the turning effect that a force produces when it is applied to a body that can rotate about an axis. Exercises involving rotational movement, like a Russian twist or swinging a bat, rely on generating torque.
Question 5: A client is performing the downward phase of a squat. What is the primary muscle action of the quadriceps during this movement?
- Concentric
- Isometric
- Isokinetic
- Eccentric (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Eccentric
During the downward phase of a squat, the quadriceps are actively lengthening under tension to control the descent against gravity. This type of muscle action, where the muscle elongates while under load, is known as an eccentric contraction.
Question 6: Which muscle group acts as the prime mover (agonist) for hip extension during a deadlift?
- Quadriceps
- Gluteus Maximus and Hamstrings (Correct answer)
- Rectus Abdominis
- Latissimus Dorsi
Correct answer: Gluteus Maximus and Hamstrings
Hip extension is the primary movement that drives the upward phase of a deadlift. The gluteus maximus is the most powerful hip extensor, assisted by the hamstrings (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus). These muscles work together as the prime movers to extend the hips and lift the weight.
Free NCCPT Applied Science and Kinesiology Questions and Answers
A client is performing a dumbbell biceps curl.
During the upward phase of the exercise, as the weight is lifted towards the shoulder, which muscle acts as the antagonist and what type of contraction is the biceps brachii performing?