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HMS, BM EQ-Bank 823

How do flexion and extension at different joints coordinate during the action of throwing a ball?   (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • During the wind-up phase, the shoulder extends while the elbow flexes. This backward positioning creates muscle pre-stretch, storing elastic energy. Simultaneously, trunk rotation begins toward the non-throwing side. These coordinated actions prepare the body for explosive forward movement.
  • The acceleration phase begins with trunk rotation toward the target. This rotation generates the initial force for the throw. Following this, the shoulder rapidly flexes, bringing the arm forward. As the shoulder moves, the elbow remains flexed, keeping the ball behind the head.
  • Next, the elbow extends powerfully while the shoulder continues flexing. This sequential action transfers momentum from proximal to distal segments. The wrist remains cocked back until the final moment.
  • Finally, wrist flexion occurs at ball release. This last action adds final velocity to the ball. Throughout the sequence, each joint’s timing is crucial – premature extension would reduce force, while delayed extension would limit velocity. Therefore, precise coordination of flexion and extension enables maximum throwing power.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • During the wind-up phase, the shoulder extends while the elbow flexes. This backward positioning creates muscle pre-stretch, storing elastic energy. Simultaneously, trunk rotation begins toward the non-throwing side. These coordinated actions prepare the body for explosive forward movement.
  • The acceleration phase begins with trunk rotation toward the target. This rotation generates the initial force for the throw. Following this, the shoulder rapidly flexes, bringing the arm forward. As the shoulder moves, the elbow remains flexed, keeping the ball behind the head.
  • Next, the elbow extends powerfully while the shoulder continues flexing. This sequential action transfers momentum from proximal to distal segments. The wrist remains cocked back until the final moment.
  • Finally, wrist flexion occurs at ball release. This last action adds final velocity to the ball. Throughout the sequence, each joint’s timing is crucial – premature extension would reduce force, while delayed extension would limit velocity. Therefore, precise coordination of flexion and extension enables maximum throwing power.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 822

Explain the joint actions that occur at the knee and ankle when performing a vertical jump.   (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • During the preparation phase, the knee flexes and the ankle dorsiflexes. Lowering the body’s centre of gravity through these actions creates a countermovement. As a result, muscles are pre-stretched, storing elastic energy.
  • In the propulsive phase, powerful knee extension occurs simultaneously with ankle plantar flexion. Such coordination causes rapid force generation against the ground. Maximising vertical force production is achieved through this synchronised joint action.
  • Following this, the sequential extension from proximal (knee) to distal (ankle) joints creates a kinetic chain. Therefore, force transfers efficiently upward through the body. The outcome is maximum jump height through coordinated joint actions.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • During the preparation phase, the knee flexes and the ankle dorsiflexes. Lowering the body’s centre of gravity through these actions creates a countermovement. As a result, muscles are pre-stretched, storing elastic energy.
  • In the propulsive phase, powerful knee extension occurs simultaneously with ankle plantar flexion. Such coordination causes rapid force generation against the ground. Maximising vertical force production is achieved through this synchronised joint action.
  • Following this, the sequential extension from proximal (knee) to distal (ankle) joints creates a kinetic chain. Therefore, force transfers efficiently upward through the body. The outcome is maximum jump height through coordinated joint actions.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 821 MC

When performing a bicep curl, which joint action occurs at the elbow as the weight is raised toward the shoulder?

  1. Extension
  2. Flexion
  3. Adduction
  4. Abduction
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\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct: Flexion decreases the joint angle – the elbow bends during a bicep curl.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Extension occurs when lowering the weight.
  • C is incorrect: Adduction is movement toward the midline.
  • D is incorrect: Abduction is movement away from the midline.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 25

A volleyball player performs a spike at the net. Describe the sequence of joint actions that occur at the shoulder and elbow during this movement.  (3 marks)

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Sample answer

  • The volleyball spike begins with the shoulder joint in extension as the arm is drawn back behind the body.
  • As the arm moves forward to contact the ball, the shoulder undergoes flexion while simultaneously the elbow joint moves from flexion to extension.
  • The power generated through this coordinated sequence of joint actions enables the player to strike the ball with force while maintaining control through the movement.
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Sample answer

  • The volleyball spike begins with the shoulder joint in extension as the arm is drawn back behind the body.
  • As the arm moves forward to contact the ball, the shoulder undergoes flexion while simultaneously the elbow joint moves from flexion to extension.
  • The power generated through this coordinated sequence of joint actions enables the player to strike the ball with force while maintaining control through the movement.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 24

Outline how the structure of ball and socket joints enables a greater range of movement than hinge joints. Support your response with examples.  (3 marks)

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Sample answer

Ball-and-socket joints

  • Feature a spherical head fitting into a cup-shaped socket, enabling multi-directional movement.
  • This structure permits flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and rotation.

Hinge joints

  • Have cylindrical surfaces allowing movement in only one plane – flexion and extension.

Examples:

  • The shoulder (ball-and-socket) allows arm movement in all directions for throwing.
  • The elbow (hinge) only bends and straightens, providing stability for lifting.
Show Worked Solution

Sample answer

Ball-and-socket joints

  • Feature a spherical head fitting into a cup-shaped socket, enabling multi-directional movement.
  • This structure permits flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and rotation.

Hinge joints

  • Have cylindrical surfaces allowing movement in only one plane – flexion and extension.

Examples:

  • The shoulder (ball-and-socket) allows arm movement in all directions for throwing.
  • The elbow (hinge) only bends and straightens, providing stability for lifting.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 22

Describe how the coordination of joint actions at the hip, knee and ankle contributes to the generation of power in a vertical jump. Use biomechanical principles in your response.   (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

Preparation phase:

  • Concurrent flexion at hips, knees and ankles lowers the centre of gravity. This creates a countermovement, initiating the stretch-shortening cycle in leg muscles to store elastic energy.

Propulsive phase:

  • Sequential triple extension follows a proximal-to-distal pattern – hips extend first, then knees, finally ankles. This kinetic chain transfers force upward, with each joint adding velocity to the movement.
  • Ground reaction forces peak when all joints extend together. Coordinated timing maximises vertical impulse at take-off.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Preparation phase:

  • Concurrent flexion at hips, knees and ankles lowers the centre of gravity. This creates a countermovement, initiating the stretch-shortening cycle in leg muscles to store elastic energy.

Propulsive phase:

  • Sequential triple extension follows a proximal-to-distal pattern – hips extend first, then knees, finally ankles. This kinetic chain transfers force upward, with each joint adding velocity to the movement.
  • Ground reaction forces peak when all joints extend together. Coordinated timing maximises vertical impulse at take-off.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 21

Outline the joint actions that occur at the knee and ankle when performing a squat.  (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

Downward phase:

  • The knee joint undergoes flexion as the femur-tibia angle decreases.
  • Simultaneously, the ankle performs dorsiflexion with the foot tilting upward toward the shin.

Upward phase:

  • The knee extends, increasing the joint angle to straighten the leg.
  • The ankle undergoes plantarflexion to push through the foot.

Joint actions:

  • These coordinated joint actions enable controlled body lowering and raising throughout the squat movement.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Downward phase:

  • The knee joint undergoes flexion as the femur-tibia angle decreases.
  • Simultaneously, the ankle performs dorsiflexion with the foot tilting upward toward the shin.

Upward phase:

  • The knee extends, increasing the joint angle to straighten the leg.
  • The ankle undergoes plantarflexion to push through the foot.

Joint actions:

  • These coordinated joint actions enable controlled body lowering and raising throughout the squat movement.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 16 MC

Which sequence correctly describes the quadriceps muscle action and knee joint movement when performing a squat?

\begin{align*}
\begin{array}{l}
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex} \ \rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \\
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{A.}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}\\
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{B.}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}\\
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{C.}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}\\
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{D.}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}\\
\end{array}
\begin{array}{|l|l|l|}
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{Descent Phase}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \textbf{Bottom Position}& \textbf{Ascent Phase} \\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\text{Eccentric}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}&\text{Isometric }&\text{Concentric}\\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\text{Concentric}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \text{Isometric concentric}&\text{Eccentric}\\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\text{Isometric}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \text{Eccentric}&\text{Concentric} \\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\text{Concentric}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \text{Eccentric}&\text{Isometric} \\
\hline
\end{array}
\end{align*}

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\(A\)

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A is correct: Quadriceps contract eccentrically (descent), isometrically (bottom), then concentrically (ascent).

\(\Rightarrow A\)

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 15 MC

Which type of muscular contraction is occurring in the quadriceps when descending into a squat?

  1. Isometric contraction
  2. Eccentric contraction
  3. Concentric contraction
  4. Dynamic contraction
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\(B\)

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B is correct: During descent, the quadriceps lengthen under tension to control movement – this is eccentric contraction.

\(\Rightarrow B\)

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 14 MC

Which row correctly identifies the action of performing a bicep curl? 

\begin{align*}
\begin{array}{l}
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex} \ \rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \\
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{A.}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}\\
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{B.}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}\\
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{C.}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}\\
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{D.}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}\\
\end{array}
\begin{array}{|l|l|l|}
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\textbf{Agonist Muscle}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \textbf{Muscular Contraction}& \textbf{Joint Action} \\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\text{Biceps brachii}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}&\text{Isometric eccentric}&\text{Elbow extension}\\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\text{Biceps brachii}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \text{Isometric concentric}&\text{Elbow flexion}\\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\text{Triceps brachii}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \text{Isometric concentric}&\text{Elbow flexion} \\
\hline
\rule{0pt}{2.5ex}\text{Triceps brachii}\rule[-1ex]{0pt}{0pt}& \text{Isometric eccentric}&\text{Elbow extension} \\
\hline
\end{array}
\end{align*}

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\(B\)

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B is correct: During the upward (concentric) phase of a bicep curl:

  • The biceps brachii is the agonist muscle.
  • It contracts concentrically (shortens) to generate force.
  • This produces elbow flexion to lift the weight.

\(\Rightarrow B\)