Massage Therapist Massage Therapist Kinesiology and Biomechanics Questions and Answers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What term describes the decrease in a joint angle, such as bending the elbow to bring the hand toward the shoulder?
- Flexion (Correct answer)
- Extension
- Hyperextension
- Circumduction
Correct answer: Flexion
Flexion is the movement that decreases the angle between two body segments at a joint.
Question 2: Which structure connects muscle to bone and transmits the force generated by muscle contraction?
- Tendon (Correct answer)
- Ligament
- Fascia
- Cartilage
Correct answer: Tendon
Tendons are dense connective tissue structures that attach muscle to bone and transfer contractile force to produce movement.
Question 3: What is the center of gravity in the human body when standing in anatomical position?
- Approximately at the level of the second sacral vertebra (Correct answer)
- At the level of the navel
- At the xiphoid process of the sternum
- At the level of the iliac crest
Correct answer: Approximately at the level of the second sacral vertebra
In anatomical position, the center of gravity is located approximately at the second sacral vertebra, anterior to the sacrum.
Question 4: Which type of joint movement occurs when the distal end of a limb traces a circular path while the proximal end remains relatively stable?
- Circumduction (Correct answer)
- Rotation
- Revolution
- Angular displacement
Correct answer: Circumduction
Circumduction is a conical movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction in sequence.
Question 5: What biomechanical principle explains why a massage therapist should use body weight rather than arm strength to apply deep pressure?
- Force generated through leverage and gravity requires less muscular effort (Correct answer)
- Arm muscles produce more controlled pressure than body weight
- Smaller muscle groups are better suited for sustained force
- Joint compression is reduced when using only upper extremity muscles
Correct answer: Force generated through leverage and gravity requires less muscular effort
Using body weight leverages gravity and larger kinetic chains, reducing fatigue and strain on smaller muscles.
Question 6: What is the term for the maximum range of motion available at a joint when moved by an external force without active muscle contraction?
- Passive range of motion (Correct answer)
- Active range of motion
- Functional range of motion
- Resistive range of motion
Correct answer: Passive range of motion
Passive range of motion is the movement achieved at a joint by an external force while the client's muscles remain relaxed.
What term describes the decrease in a joint angle, such as bending the elbow to bring the hand toward the shoulder?