Back to the full dot-point answer
WAPhysical EducationQuick questions
Unit 3: Factors Affecting Performance
Quick questions on Types of muscle contraction: WACE Physical Education Studies Unit 3
3short 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 are isotonic contractions?Show answer
An isotonic contraction is one where the muscle changes length while moving a load. It has two directions.
What are isometric contractions?Show answer
An isometric contraction produces tension but the muscle length does not change and no visible movement occurs. It is used to hold a position or to stabilise a joint. Holding a plank, gripping a barbell at the top of a deadlift, or a gymnast holding a crucifix on the rings are all isometric. The muscle is clearly working hard, yet the joint angle stays fixed.
What are isokinetic contractions?Show answer
An isokinetic contraction is one performed at a constant speed throughout the full range of movement, with the resistance varying to match the force the muscle can apply at each joint angle. True isokinetic work needs specialised machines that adjust the load, so it is used mainly in rehabilitation and testing. The closest everyday example is the pulling phase in swimming or rowing where the resistance of the water adjusts to the effort, keeping the speed of the movement fairly constant.
Have a question we have not covered?
This dot-point answer is short enough that we have not extracted many short questions yet. Read the full dot-point answer or ask Mo, our study assistant, in the chat for follow ups.