Kinesiology & Body Mechanics Flashcards

Which muscle opposes and controls the action of the prime mover?

Answer: Antagonist

The antagonist muscle opposes the prime mover and eccentrically controls movement speed and range.

Circumduction is best described as:

Answer: A cone-shaped movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction

Circumduction traces a cone shape in space and is a combination of flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.

The lumbopelvic-hip complex refers to:

Answer: The interrelationship of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip joints

The lumbopelvic-hip complex describes the functional unit formed by the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip joints that work together during movement.

In anatomical position, the body is:

Answer: Standing upright with palms facing forward and feet together

Anatomical position is the standard reference: body erect, palms facing anteriorly, feet slightly apart or together.

Synergist muscles primarily function to:

Answer: Assist the prime mover and help eliminate unwanted motion

Synergists assist the prime mover and reduce unnecessary movements to make the action more efficient.

Plantar flexion is the movement that:

Answer: Points the foot downward away from the shin

Plantar flexion points the foot downward (plantarward), as in pressing the gas pedal or standing on tiptoe.

Which ergonomic habit best protects a massage therapist from repetitive strain injury over a career?

Answer: Varying hand tools and techniques regularly throughout each session

Rotating hand techniques (fist, forearm, elbow, palm) distributes stress across different tissues and prevents overuse of any single structure.