Biomechanical Analysis & Movement Flashcards

Which plane of motion does a lateral trunk bend (side flexion) primarily occur in?

Answer: Frontal plane

Lateral trunk flexion occurs in the frontal (coronal) plane, dividing the body into front and back halves.

The center of gravity in a standing adult is typically located at approximately what vertebral level?

Answer: S2

The center of gravity in a typical standing adult is located just anterior to the second sacral segment (S2).

Which term describes the rotational force produced by a muscle acting at a joint?

Answer: Torque

Torque is the rotational force a muscle generates about a joint axis, calculated as force multiplied by the moment arm.

During gait, which phase involves the foot making initial contact with the ground?

Answer: Initial contact

Initial contact is the very beginning of the stance phase when the heel (or foot) first touches the ground.

Excessive anterior pelvic tilt is most commonly associated with tightness in which muscle group?

Answer: Hip flexors

Tight hip flexors (iliopsoas) pull the anterior pelvis downward, causing an anterior pelvic tilt and increased lumbar lordosis.

Which type of muscle contraction occurs when the muscle generates force while lengthening?

Answer: Eccentric

Eccentric contraction occurs when a muscle produces force while elongating, such as the quadriceps controlling descent during a squat.

Pronation of the subtalar joint is described as a combination of which three motions?

Answer: Dorsiflexion, eversion, and abduction

Subtalar pronation is a triplanar motion consisting of dorsiflexion, eversion, and abduction occurring simultaneously.