National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Practice Exam

What occurs during concentric muscle activations?

1. The muscle elongates while producing force

2. The muscle shortens while developing tension

3. The muscle remains at rest

4. The muscle lengthens while relaxing

The correct answer is: The muscle shortens while developing tension

During concentric muscle activations, the muscle shortens while developing tension. This occurs when a muscle contracts and generates force, causing the angle of the joint it spans to decrease. A common example of this is when performing a bicep curl; as the bicep muscle contracts to lift the weight toward the shoulder, it shortens in length while exerting force to accomplish the movement. In muscular terms, this process is essential for movements that involve overcoming resistance, such as lifting, pushing, or pulling, and it is a vital part of strength training and functional activities. Understanding concentric contractions helps trainers develop effective exercise programs that target specific muscle groups for strength and performance enhancements.