Massage Therapist Kinesiology and Biomechanics Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client is slowly lowering a heavy box from an overhead shelf. What type of contraction are the biceps brachii and brachialis primarily performing to control this movement?

Accepted Answer

Eccentric

Answer

Eccentric contraction occurs when a muscle lengthens under tension. In this scenario, the biceps brachii and brachialis are acting as a 'brake' against gravity, lengthening while still under load to control the descent of the box. Concentric contraction involves muscle shortening, and isometric involves no change in muscle length.

Question 2

The action of performing a standing calf raise, where the body is lifted onto the toes, is an example of which class of lever?

Accepted Answer

Second-class lever

Answer

A standing calf raise is a second-class lever. The fulcrum is the ball of the foot, the resistance is the body's weight acting through the ankle, and the effort is applied by the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) pulling on the heel. In a second-class lever, the resistance is located between the fulcrum and the effort.

Question 3

A client presents with a significant anterior pelvic tilt and hyperlordosis. A massage therapist would most likely identify which pair of muscles as being tight and shortened?

Accepted Answer

Hip flexors and lumbar erectors

Answer

Anterior pelvic tilt is characterized by the front of the pelvis dropping and the back rising. This is often caused by a muscular imbalance where the hip flexors (iliopsoas, rectus femoris) and lumbar erector spinae are tight and shortened, while the abdominals and gluteal muscles are lengthened and weak.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the role of a synergist muscle during a movement?

Accepted Answer

It assists the primary muscle to perform the movement more efficiently.

Answer

A synergist muscle assists the agonist (prime mover) in performing a specific movement. It can help by adding extra force, stabilizing joints to allow for more effective movement, or neutralizing unwanted actions of the prime mover.

Question 5

A massage therapist asks a client to shake their head as if saying 'no'. This rotational movement primarily occurs in which plane of motion?

Accepted Answer

Transverse (Horizontal)

Answer

The transverse, or horizontal, plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts. Rotational movements, such as shaking the head 'no' (cervical rotation), occur within this plane.

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Massage Therapist Kinesiology and Biomechanics Questions and Answers