Characteristics of isometric contractions include all but a. shortening, b. increased muscle tension throughout the contraction phase, c. absence of shortening, d. used in resistance training.

Video transcript

Hi, everyone. Let's take a look at this practice problem together, which type of muscle contraction occurs when the muscle length remains constant throughout the contraction phase. The answer options are a concentric B E centric C isometric and D isotonic. So all of those are types of contraction. Now to answer this question, we just need to know and recall the definitions for those different types of contractions. Now, option B isotonic contraction is any contraction where the muscle length changes and that is in order to produce movement, an example of this type of contraction would be uh push-ups, squats your knee bending or even smiling. So we can go ahead and eliminate option D. Now isotonic contractions can be further categorized as either concentric or E centric contractions. So that means we can eliminate A and B as well. But let's go ahead and review those types of contractions in concentric contractions, the muscle will shorten tension is generated and there is movement that is produced. So your muscle shortens. And an example of this is the upward phase of a bicep curl when you're pulling the dumbbell towards your shoulder. In centric con contraction. Again, muscles generates tension. However, the muscle will lengthen. So in the bicep curl, when you lower the dumbbell back down, that is the e centric contraction. So the correct answer is isometric contraction. Isometric literally means same measurement. So there is no muscle length change and there is no movement in that bicep curl, the isometric contraction would be if you held the dumbbell up in a static position rather than actively moving it up and down. So again, the correct answer is option C isometric contraction. All right, everyone. I hope you found this helpful and I'll see you soon for the next practice problem.