Movement Analysis: Muscle Contraction
Movement Analysis: Muscle Contraction
Basics of Muscle Contraction
- A muscle contraction is a process where muscles undergo shortening and lengthening.
- Muscle contraction is vital for body movements including standing, speaking, walking, and more complex activities like sport.
- Motor neurons control the contraction of muscles.
- The smallest contractile unit of muscle is known as a sarcomere.
Types of Muscle Contractions
- There are three types of muscle contractions: isotonic, isometric, and isokinetic.
- An isotonic contraction results in a change in muscle length without a change in tension.
- An isometric contraction results in no change in muscle length but a change in tension.
- An isokinetic contraction means the muscle contracts and shortens at a constant rate of speed.
The Process of Muscle Contraction
- A neuromuscular junction is a place where a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle cell come into contact.
- A signal transmitted from the motor neuron causes calcium ions to be released within the muscle fibre.
- These calcium ions bind with proteins in the muscle fibre which then contract, shortening the muscle.
- After the contraction, the calcium ions are removed and the muscle relaxes.
Effect of Exercise on Muscle Contraction
- Regular exercise and training can increase the efficiency of muscle contractions.
- This is partly because exercise increases blood flow to muscles, supplying them with more oxygen and nutrients for energy production.
- Greater efficiency of muscle contractions can lead to improved performance in physical activities.
Importance of Muscle Contraction in Sport
- Understanding muscle contractions is crucial as it allows the manipulation of training to maximise performance.
- For example, knowing when each type of muscle contraction is used in a specific sport can guide training focus.
In order to achieve your best in physical tasks, it’s important to understand the process and types of muscle contraction. This knowledge will help you to train more effectively and possibly reduce the risk of injuries.