Describe TWO ways muscle pairs work together to produce safe movement. (3 marks)
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Sample Answer – ANY 2 of the following
Agonist/antagonist relationship controls movement speed
- When the agonist muscle contracts to create movement, the antagonist muscle relaxes in a controlled manner.
- Coordinated action as described prevents jerky movements and allows precise control of speed, protecting joints from sudden impacts.
Co-contraction provides joint stability –
- Both muscles in a pair contract simultaneously to stabilise a joint during movement.
- Such co-activation creates muscular tension around the joint, preventing excessive movement that could damage ligaments, and maintaining safe joint alignment.
Balanced strength prevents muscle imbalances
- Equal strength development in muscle pairs ensures forces are distributed evenly across joints.
- This balance prevents one muscle from overpowering its partner, reducing strain on connective tissues and maintaining proper joint mechanics during movement.
Coordinated action produces smooth movement
- Muscle pairs work in precise timing sequences, with one gradually activating as the other deactivates.
- Transitioning smoothly between muscle contractions eliminates abrupt force changes that could tear muscle fibres or strain tendons.
Show Worked Solution
Agonist/antagonist relationship controls movement speed
- When the agonist muscle contracts to create movement, the antagonist muscle relaxes in a controlled manner.
- Coordinated action as described prevents jerky movements and allows precise control of speed, protecting joints from sudden impacts.
Co-contraction provides joint stability –
- Both muscles in a pair contract simultaneously to stabilise a joint during movement.
- Such co-activation creates muscular tension around the joint, preventing excessive movement that could damage ligaments, and maintaining safe joint alignment.
Balanced strength prevents muscle imbalances
- Equal strength development in muscle pairs ensures forces are distributed evenly across joints.
- This balance prevents one muscle from overpowering its partner, reducing strain on connective tissues and maintaining proper joint mechanics during movement.
Coordinated action produces smooth movement
- Muscle pairs work in precise timing sequences, with one gradually activating as the other deactivates.
- Transitioning smoothly between muscle contractions eliminates abrupt force changes that could tear muscle fibres or strain tendons.