International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Trainer Practice Exam

In a bicep curl, what does the term 'flexion' refer to?

1. The eccentric action of lowering the weight

2. The isometric pause at the top

3. The concentric action of lifting the weight

4. The resting phase before the next lift

The correct answer is: The concentric action of lifting the weight

In a bicep curl, the term 'flexion' specifically refers to the action of bending the elbow joint to lift a weight. During the concentric phase of the curl, the biceps muscle contracts as you raise the weight from a fully extended position to a position where your forearm moves closer to your shoulder. This action shortens the muscle while effectively producing force to lift the load, which is the definition of concentric contraction. The other choices describe different phases or actions during the exercise but do not correctly define flexion. The eccentric action of lowering the weight involves lengthening the muscle as it resists the pull of gravity; the isometric pause occurs when there is no movement at the joint; and the resting phase refers to a period of inactivity between repetitions. None of these options capture the essence of flexion as it pertains to the active motion of curling the weight upward.