Kinesiology & Body Mechanics Flashcards

Dorsiflexion at the ankle refers to:

Answer: Moving the top of the foot toward the shin

Dorsiflexion decreases the angle between the dorsum of the foot and the shin, pulling the foot upward.

Which type of muscle contraction involves generating tension without any change in muscle length?

Answer: Isometric

An isometric contraction occurs when a muscle produces force but neither shortens nor lengthens, such as holding a static position.

Which anatomical plane divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions?

Answer: Frontal/Coronal

The frontal (coronal) plane divides the body into anterior and posterior halves and is where movements like abduction and adduction occur.

When the forearm is supinated, the palm faces:

Answer: Anteriorly (upward when standing)

Supination rotates the radius so the palm faces anteriorly (upward in anatomical position), as when holding a bowl of soup.

Why is a wider foot stance important in massage therapist body mechanics?

Answer: It provides a broader base of support and greater stability

A wider stance lowers the center of gravity and broadens the base of support, increasing stability during applied pressure.

Excessive anterior curvature of the lumbar spine, commonly called 'swayback,' is clinically termed:

Answer: Lordosis

Lordosis refers to an exaggerated inward curve of the lumbar spine; while some lordosis is normal, hyperlordosis is often called swayback.

The knee joint is classified as which type of synovial joint?

Answer: Hinge

The knee is primarily a hinge joint, allowing flexion and extension, with slight rotation occurring only in the unlocked position.