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VICPhysical EducationQuick questions
Unit 1: The Human Body in Motion
Quick questions on Musculoskeletal system in movement for VCE Physical Education Unit 1
8short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is concentric contraction?Show answer
The muscle shortens while producing force. The classic example is lifting a weight - the muscle generating the force is getting shorter as the limb moves.
What is eccentric contraction?Show answer
The muscle lengthens while producing force. The muscle is opposing the movement, not driving it.
What is isometric contraction?Show answer
The muscle produces force without changing length. The classic example is holding a position.
What is synovial joint sub-types?Show answer
Synovial joints allow different movements:
What is slow-twitch (Type I) fibres?Show answer
Slow-twitch fibres are well-suited to endurance activity. Marathon runners typically have 70-80% slow-twitch fibres in their key muscles.
What is fast-twitch Type IIa fibres?Show answer
Type IIa fibres are recruited during high-intensity efforts that exceed aerobic capacity but are not maximal.
What is fast-twitch Type IIx fibres?Show answer
Type IIx fibres are recruited for maximal, brief efforts (sprinting, jumping, throwing).
What is distribution and training?Show answer
Fibre type distribution is largely genetic. Elite sprinters tend to have 70-80% fast-twitch fibres in their key muscles; elite marathon runners tend to have 70-80% slow-twitch.