IFPA Trainer Practice Exam

Which exercise equipment type adheres to an isokinetic contraction?

1. Free weights

2. Resistance bands

3. Fixed resistance machines

4. Variable resistance machines

The correct answer is: Fixed resistance machines

Isokinetic contractions occur when the muscle changes length while the resistance varies to provide a constant speed of movement throughout the range of motion. Fixed resistance machines are designed to provide a specific resistance level across the entire movement, ensuring that the speed of the contraction remains constant regardless of the force applied by the user. This setup enables the machine to accommodate the user's strength profile dynamically by adjusting the resistance in such a way that the user cannot exceed a certain speed of contraction. This characteristic is crucial in rehabilitation settings, allowing for controlled muscle contractions and safe exercise regimens. The other equipment types do not inherently provide the same control over the speed of contraction. Free weights and resistance bands, for example, rely on the user to control the speed and force, which can lead to variations in contraction as the user’s strength fluctuates throughout the motion. Variable resistance machines, while they adjust resistance based on the position of the limb, do not guarantee a constant speed of movement, thus they are not perfectly aligned with the isokinetic principle.