Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Kinesiology 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which muscle group is primarily responsible for lumbar spine extension?
- Rectus abdominis
- Erector spinae (Correct answer)
- Internal obliques
- Psoas major
Correct answer: Erector spinae
The erector spinae group (iliocostalis, longissimus, and spinalis) are the primary extensors of the lumbar spine.
Question 2: What is the term for the angle between two body segments at a joint when a movement decreases that angle?
- Extension
- Hyperextension
- Flexion (Correct answer)
- Adduction
Correct answer: Flexion
Flexion is defined as a movement that decreases the angle between two body segments at a joint.
Question 3: Which ligament prevents anterior displacement of the femur on the tibia?
- Medial collateral ligament
- Posterior cruciate ligament
- Lateral collateral ligament
- Anterior cruciate ligament (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Anterior cruciate ligament
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prevents the femur from sliding anteriorly and limits excessive knee extension.
Question 4: Which rotator cuff muscle internally rotates the shoulder?
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Teres minor
- Subscapularis (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Subscapularis
The subscapularis is the only rotator cuff muscle that performs internal (medial) rotation of the shoulder.
Question 5: A client cannot raise onto their toes on one foot. Which nerve is most likely involved?
- Femoral nerve
- Common peroneal nerve
- Tibial nerve (Correct answer)
- Obturator nerve
Correct answer: Tibial nerve
The tibial nerve innervates the gastrocnemius and soleus, which are responsible for plantarflexion needed to rise on toes.
Question 6: The term 'valgus' refers to a joint angulation in which the distal segment is deviated:
- Posteriorly relative to the proximal segment
- Medially toward the midline
- Laterally away from the midline (Correct answer)
- Anteriorly in the sagittal plane
Correct answer: Laterally away from the midline
Valgus describes lateral deviation of the distal segment, as seen in knee valgus (knock-knees) where the knees angle inward.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes concentric muscle contraction?
- The muscle lengthens while producing force
- The muscle length remains constant while producing force
- The muscle shortens while producing force (Correct answer)
- The muscle produces no force and remains at rest
Correct answer: The muscle shortens while producing force
Concentric contraction occurs when a muscle shortens as it produces force, overcoming external resistance.
Which muscle group is primarily responsible for lumbar spine extension?