Occupational Therapist Test Biomechanics and Kinesiology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which plane of motion divides the body into anterior and posterior halves?
- Sagittal plane
- Frontal (coronal) plane (Correct answer)
- Transverse plane
- Median plane
Correct answer: Frontal (coronal) plane
The frontal (coronal) plane divides the body into anterior and posterior halves; abduction and adduction movements occur in this plane.
Question 2: Which type of joint allows the greatest range of motion across multiple planes of movement?
- Hinge joint
- Pivot joint
- Ball-and-socket joint (Correct answer)
- Saddle joint
Correct answer: Ball-and-socket joint
Ball-and-socket joints, such as the hip and glenohumeral joint, permit multiplanar movement including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.
Question 3: Which type of muscle contraction occurs when the muscle generates force while simultaneously lengthening?
- Concentric contraction
- Eccentric contraction (Correct answer)
- Isometric contraction
- Isotonic contraction
Correct answer: Eccentric contraction
Eccentric contraction involves muscle force production while the muscle lengthens, as seen when lowering a weight under control.
Question 4: The 'power grip' in hand function is best described as:
- Palmar prehension using all digits and the palm to hold an object (Correct answer)
- Pinch force between thumb tip and index fingertip only
- Opposition of the thumb to the small finger
- Extension of all fingers against resistance
Correct answer: Palmar prehension using all digits and the palm to hold an object
Power grip involves wrapping the fingers and palm around an object with the thumb providing counter-pressure, maximizing grip force for cylindrical or spherical objects.
Question 5: Normal shoulder flexion range of motion in a healthy adult is approximately:
- 90 degrees
- 120 degrees
- 150 degrees
- 180 degrees (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 180 degrees
Normal shoulder flexion is 0–180 degrees, representing the full arc from anatomical position to full overhead elevation.
Question 6: In a Class I lever system, the fulcrum is positioned:
- Between the effort and the resistance (Correct answer)
- At the distal end of the lever
- Between the resistance and the load
- Closer to the resistance than to the effort
Correct answer: Between the effort and the resistance
In a Class I lever, the fulcrum is located between the effort force and the resistance, as seen in a seesaw or the head balanced on the atlanto-occipital joint.
Question 7: The 'close-packed position' of a synovial joint is defined as the position of:
- Maximum joint laxity and capsule relaxation
- Least bony congruence and most ligament relaxation
- Maximum congruence, ligamentous tension, and minimal joint play (Correct answer)
- Optimal position for joint mobilization techniques
Correct answer: Maximum congruence, ligamentous tension, and minimal joint play
The close-packed position provides maximum joint surface contact, ligamentous tautness, and minimal accessory motion, making the joint most stable and least susceptible to distraction.
Occupational Therapist Test Biomechanics and Kinesiology 1
Which plane of motion divides the body into anterior and posterior halves?