NCCPT Applied Science and Kinesiology Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client is performing a standing dumbbell lateral raise. In which plane of motion is the primary movement occurring, and around which axis does this movement take place?

Accepted Answer

Frontal plane and anterior-posterior axis

Answer

The standing dumbbell lateral raise involves moving the arms out to the sides, away from the midline of the body (abduction). This side-to-side movement occurs in the frontal plane. The axis of rotation for frontal plane movements is the anterior-posterior axis, which runs from front to back.

Question 2

During the downward phase of a squat, the quadriceps muscle group is lengthening while under tension to control the descent. What type of muscle action is being described?

Accepted Answer

Eccentric

Answer

An eccentric muscle action occurs when a muscle lengthens under tension. In the downward phase of a squat, the quadriceps are actively resisting gravity and the load, but are elongating to allow the hip and knee to flex. This controlled lengthening is a classic example of an eccentric contraction.

Question 3

A client is performing a box jump. To generate maximum power, they first perform a rapid countermovement by dipping down before exploding upwards. This sequence of an eccentric contraction followed immediately by a concentric contraction is known as what?

Accepted Answer

Stretch-shortening cycle (SSC)

Answer

The stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) is a physiological phenomenon involving an active stretch (eccentric contraction) of a muscle followed by an immediate shortening (concentric contraction) of the same muscle. This process allows for the storage and release of elastic energy, resulting in a more powerful concentric contraction than would be possible from a static start. The countermovement in a box jump is a prime example of utilizing the SSC.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a force-couple relationship in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Two or more muscles pulling in different directions on a bone to produce a specific rotational movement.

Answer

A force-couple is defined as the synergistic action of two or more muscles pulling on a bone or joint from different directions to produce a more efficient rotational movement. A classic example is the upward rotation of the scapula, where the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior all pull on the scapula in different directions to create a unified rotation.

Question 5

A personal trainer is explaining the biomechanics of a seated leg extension. The trainer notes that the knee joint acts as the fulcrum, the resistance is at the ankle where the pad rests, and the muscular force is applied by the quadriceps. This arrangement describes what class of lever?

Accepted Answer

Third-class lever

Answer

In a third-class lever, the effort (muscular force) is applied between the fulcrum (joint) and the resistance (load). The seated leg extension is a classic example, where the quadriceps insert via the patellar tendon on the tibia (effort), between the knee joint (fulcrum) and the resistance pad at the ankle. Most open-chain exercises in the human body operate as third-class levers.

(NCCPT) National Council for Certified Personal Trainers Practice Test

(NCCPT) National Council for Certified Personal Trainers Practice Test

NCCPT Applied Science and Kinesiology Questions and Answers