Assessment task instructions

1. Describe the primary roles of the central and peripheral nervous systems in the control of body position.

2. Complete the following table to provide a summary of the function and roles of different nervous system receptors.

Receptor Main function Associated reflex
Muscle spindle
Golgi tendon organ

3. A client is having muscular strength tested on the bench press.
For the first lift, 50 kg is put on the bar. The client will be using the pectoralis major muscle which has 500 motor units (300 slow twitch and 200 fast twitch) and the triceps muscles. The CNS stimulates 280 motor units leading to the pectoralis major muscle (180 slow twitch and 100 fast twitch). Remember, each nerve ending stimulates a separate muscle fibre.
The pectoralis major and triceps muscles shorten and the clients arm extends outward raising the bar with 50 kg on it. After a few minutes of rest, 100 kg is placed on the bar. This time the action stimulates 380 motor units (260 slow twitch and120 fast twitch). The weight is successfully lifted. After a few minutes of rest, 150 kg is placed on the bar. This time the action stimulates 460 motor units (280 slow twitch and 180 fast twitch). Which of the proprioceptors is likely to react at this point, why, and with what result?

4. Suggest a definition for ‘good posture’. Include indications of why good posture is important.

5. Name the postural position/deviation illustrated in each of the pictures below.

6. Suggest and explain the effects of five factors which might influence posture.
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7. Complete the following table, suggesting two muscles which may be inhibited, and two muscles which may be tight in each postural case.
Potentially inhibited muscles Potentially tight muscles
Kyphosis (which may result from upper crossed syndrome)
Lordosis (which may result from lower crossed syndrome)

8. Suggest a definition for ‘core stability.’ Your definition should be clear about what your interpretation of the ‘core’ is.

9. Label the muscles on the diagrams below.

10. Complete this table identifying at least one main action of the muscles which you have identified in the diagrams from question 9.
Muscle name Main actions/s

11. Suggest and explain two anatomical/physiological advantages of a strong and stable core.

12. Complete the following table identifying two possible risk factors which may result in back pain in each case.
Risk/predictive factors
Physical
Occupational
Psychological

13. Suggest three muscles which contribute to:
(a) sagittal plane stability

(b) frontal plane stability

14. Suggest three static and three dynamic exercises which will help to improve core strength and stability, and two key muscles worked on in each case.
Exercises Key muscles worked
Static exercises 
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Dynamic exercises 
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Note: A satisfactory response is required for all questions, showing a full understanding of the Underpinning Knowledge outlined on the student guidelines.