Muscle movement and contractions

Question 1

What is an agonist?

Answer 1

The muscle that contracts; the muslce that causes the movement (also known as the prime mover)

Question 2

What is an antagonist?

Answer 2

The muscle that relaxes to allow the agonist to contract

Question 3

What is an isotonic contraction?

Answer 3

A contraction where the muscle changes in length

Question 4

What is an isotonic eccentric contraction?

Answer 4

A contraction where the the muscle lengthens - used to control downward movements

Question 5

What is an isoonic concentric contraction?

Answer 5

A contraction where the muscle shortens

Question 6

What is an isometric contraction?

Answer 6

A contraction where the muscle remains the same length

Question 7

Give an example of an isometric contraction

Answer 7

Holding a scrum in rugby
Holding the plank
Holding a handstand
Holding a crucifix in gymnastics

Question 8

Give an example of an isometric eccentric contraction

Answer 8

Triceps in the downward phase of a press-up
Quadriceps in the downward phase of the squat
Gluteus maximus in the downward phase of the squat
Biceps in the lowering phase of the bicep curl

Question 9

Give an example of an isometric concentric contraction

Answer 9

Triceps contracting to cause extension at the elbow when punching in boxing/ throwing a cricket ball
Quadriceps contracting to cause extension of the knee when kicking a ball in football/ pushing off the blocks in the 100m