ISSA Strength and Conditioning Exam: Q&A
International Sports Sciences Association –
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
Domain I: Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology (Questions 1–15)
Q1. During the concentric phase of a barbell back squat, which muscle group acts as the
primary agonist?
• A. Hamstrings (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus)
• B. Quadriceps (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, medialis, intermedius) [CORRECT]
• C. Gluteus maximus
• D. Gastrocnemius and soleus
Correct Answer: B Rationale: The quadriceps are the primary agonists during squat ascent,
producing knee extension. While the gluteus maximus (C) assists in hip extension, it is not the
primary knee extensor. Hamstrings (A) act as antagonists to knee extension. Gastrocnemius and
soleus (D) provide ankle stability but are not primary movers. Practical tip: When assessing
squat technique, watch for quadriceps-dominant vs. hip-dominant patterns to identify
weaknesses.
Q2. In the biceps curl exercise, the brachialis and brachioradialis act as:
• A. Agonists
• B. Antagonists
• C. Synergists [CORRECT]
• D. Stabilizers
Correct Answer: C Rationale: The brachialis and brachioradialis assist the biceps brachii in
elbow flexion, making them synergists. They are not antagonists (which would be the triceps),
nor are they merely stabilizers—they actively contribute to the movement. Practical tip:
Understanding synergist roles helps explain why grip width and forearm position alter muscle
recruitment during curling exercises.
,Q3. Which muscle fiber type has the highest oxidative capacity and is most resistant to fatigue?
• A. Type IIx (fast glycolytic)
• B. Type IIa (fast oxidative-glycolytic)
• C. Type I (slow oxidative) [CORRECT]
• D. Type IIb (intermediate)
Correct Answer: C Rationale: Type I fibers possess high mitochondrial density, abundant
myoglobin, and high capillary density, making them highly oxidative and fatigue-resistant. Type
IIx fibers (A) fatigue rapidly due to limited oxidative capacity. Type IIa (B) represents an
intermediate profile. Practical tip: Endurance athletes typically have 60–80% Type I fibers in
trained muscles, while power athletes show higher Type IIx percentages.
Q4. During a maximal sprint, which energy system predominates during the first 6 seconds?
• A. Oxidative phosphorylation
• B. Fast glycolysis
• C. ATP-PC (phosphagen) system [CORRECT]
• D. Aerobic glycolysis
Correct Answer: C Rationale: The ATP-PC system provides immediate energy for high-intensity
efforts lasting approximately 0–10 seconds without oxygen. Fast glycolysis (B) becomes
dominant after ~10 seconds. Oxidative systems (A, D) require more time to activate and are
insufficient for maximal sprint power. Practical tip: Design rest intervals of 3–5 minutes between
maximal sprints to allow phosphocreatine resynthesis.
Q5. The sliding filament theory describes muscle contraction as involving which two primary
protein filaments?
• A. Troponin and tropomyosin
• B. Actin and myosin [CORRECT]
• C. Titin and nebulin
• D. Desmin and vimentin
,Correct Answer: B Rationale: Muscle contraction occurs when myosin heads bind to actin
filaments, forming cross-bridges and generating force through ATP hydrolysis. Troponin and
tropomyosin (A) are regulatory proteins, not contractile filaments. Titin (C) provides structural
elasticity. Practical tip: Understanding cross-bridge cycling explains why high-velocity
movements recruit fewer motor units (rate coding) versus high-force movements (recruitment).
Q6. A third-class lever in the human body is characterized by:
• A. The fulcrum between the effort and resistance
• B. The resistance between the fulcrum and effort
• C. The effort between the fulcrum and resistance [CORRECT]
• D. Equal distances between fulcrum, effort, and resistance
Correct Answer: C Rationale: Third-class levers (most common in the body, e.g., biceps curl,
elbow flexion) place the effort (muscle insertion) between the fulcrum (joint) and resistance
(load). This arrangement sacrifices mechanical advantage for range of motion and speed. First-
class (A) and second-class (B) levers are rare in human movement. Practical tip: Third-class lever
mechanics explain why muscles must generate forces much greater than the external load
moved.
Q7. During a lateral raise (dumbbell abduction to 90°), the movement occurs primarily in which
plane?
• A. Sagittal plane
• B. Frontal (coronal) plane [CORRECT]
• C. Transverse plane
• D. Horizontal plane
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Shoulder abduction/adduction occurs in the frontal plane,
dividing the body into anterior and posterior portions. Sagittal plane (A) involves
flexion/extension, while transverse plane (C) involves rotation. Practical tip: Program design
should include exercises in all three planes to develop functional movement capacity and
reduce injury risk.
, Q8. Which of the following describes the action of the latissimus dorsi during the concentric
phase of a pull-up?
• A. Shoulder flexion and elbow extension
• B. Shoulder extension, adduction, and internal rotation [CORRECT]
• C. Shoulder abduction and external rotation
• D. Scapular elevation and upward rotation
Correct Answer: B Rationale: The latissimus dorsi performs shoulder extension (pulling arm
down), adduction (pulling arm toward midline), and internal rotation during the pull-up. It does
not flex the shoulder (A) or abduct (C). Scapular elevation (D) is performed by upper trapezius
and levator scapulae. Practical tip: Latissimus dorsi weakness often manifests as excessive
scapular elevation or shrugging during pull-ups.
Q9. A motor unit consists of:
• A. A single muscle fiber and its associated tendon
• B. A motor neuron and all muscle fibers it innervates [CORRECT]
• C. All motor neurons supplying a single muscle
• D. A sensory neuron and its corresponding muscle spindle
Correct Answer: B Rationale: A motor unit comprises one alpha motor neuron and all the
muscle fibers it innervates. When the neuron fires, all fibers in that unit contract simultaneously
(all-or-none law). This does not include tendons (A) or represent an entire muscle (C). Practical
tip: Small motor units (fewer fibers per neuron) allow fine motor control; large motor units
generate greater force but with less precision.
Q10. During the eccentric phase of a biceps curl, the triceps brachii acts as the:
• A. Agonist
• B. Antagonist [CORRECT]
• C. Synergist
• D. Fixator
International Sports Sciences Association –
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
Domain I: Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology (Questions 1–15)
Q1. During the concentric phase of a barbell back squat, which muscle group acts as the
primary agonist?
• A. Hamstrings (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus)
• B. Quadriceps (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, medialis, intermedius) [CORRECT]
• C. Gluteus maximus
• D. Gastrocnemius and soleus
Correct Answer: B Rationale: The quadriceps are the primary agonists during squat ascent,
producing knee extension. While the gluteus maximus (C) assists in hip extension, it is not the
primary knee extensor. Hamstrings (A) act as antagonists to knee extension. Gastrocnemius and
soleus (D) provide ankle stability but are not primary movers. Practical tip: When assessing
squat technique, watch for quadriceps-dominant vs. hip-dominant patterns to identify
weaknesses.
Q2. In the biceps curl exercise, the brachialis and brachioradialis act as:
• A. Agonists
• B. Antagonists
• C. Synergists [CORRECT]
• D. Stabilizers
Correct Answer: C Rationale: The brachialis and brachioradialis assist the biceps brachii in
elbow flexion, making them synergists. They are not antagonists (which would be the triceps),
nor are they merely stabilizers—they actively contribute to the movement. Practical tip:
Understanding synergist roles helps explain why grip width and forearm position alter muscle
recruitment during curling exercises.
,Q3. Which muscle fiber type has the highest oxidative capacity and is most resistant to fatigue?
• A. Type IIx (fast glycolytic)
• B. Type IIa (fast oxidative-glycolytic)
• C. Type I (slow oxidative) [CORRECT]
• D. Type IIb (intermediate)
Correct Answer: C Rationale: Type I fibers possess high mitochondrial density, abundant
myoglobin, and high capillary density, making them highly oxidative and fatigue-resistant. Type
IIx fibers (A) fatigue rapidly due to limited oxidative capacity. Type IIa (B) represents an
intermediate profile. Practical tip: Endurance athletes typically have 60–80% Type I fibers in
trained muscles, while power athletes show higher Type IIx percentages.
Q4. During a maximal sprint, which energy system predominates during the first 6 seconds?
• A. Oxidative phosphorylation
• B. Fast glycolysis
• C. ATP-PC (phosphagen) system [CORRECT]
• D. Aerobic glycolysis
Correct Answer: C Rationale: The ATP-PC system provides immediate energy for high-intensity
efforts lasting approximately 0–10 seconds without oxygen. Fast glycolysis (B) becomes
dominant after ~10 seconds. Oxidative systems (A, D) require more time to activate and are
insufficient for maximal sprint power. Practical tip: Design rest intervals of 3–5 minutes between
maximal sprints to allow phosphocreatine resynthesis.
Q5. The sliding filament theory describes muscle contraction as involving which two primary
protein filaments?
• A. Troponin and tropomyosin
• B. Actin and myosin [CORRECT]
• C. Titin and nebulin
• D. Desmin and vimentin
,Correct Answer: B Rationale: Muscle contraction occurs when myosin heads bind to actin
filaments, forming cross-bridges and generating force through ATP hydrolysis. Troponin and
tropomyosin (A) are regulatory proteins, not contractile filaments. Titin (C) provides structural
elasticity. Practical tip: Understanding cross-bridge cycling explains why high-velocity
movements recruit fewer motor units (rate coding) versus high-force movements (recruitment).
Q6. A third-class lever in the human body is characterized by:
• A. The fulcrum between the effort and resistance
• B. The resistance between the fulcrum and effort
• C. The effort between the fulcrum and resistance [CORRECT]
• D. Equal distances between fulcrum, effort, and resistance
Correct Answer: C Rationale: Third-class levers (most common in the body, e.g., biceps curl,
elbow flexion) place the effort (muscle insertion) between the fulcrum (joint) and resistance
(load). This arrangement sacrifices mechanical advantage for range of motion and speed. First-
class (A) and second-class (B) levers are rare in human movement. Practical tip: Third-class lever
mechanics explain why muscles must generate forces much greater than the external load
moved.
Q7. During a lateral raise (dumbbell abduction to 90°), the movement occurs primarily in which
plane?
• A. Sagittal plane
• B. Frontal (coronal) plane [CORRECT]
• C. Transverse plane
• D. Horizontal plane
Correct Answer: B Rationale: Shoulder abduction/adduction occurs in the frontal plane,
dividing the body into anterior and posterior portions. Sagittal plane (A) involves
flexion/extension, while transverse plane (C) involves rotation. Practical tip: Program design
should include exercises in all three planes to develop functional movement capacity and
reduce injury risk.
, Q8. Which of the following describes the action of the latissimus dorsi during the concentric
phase of a pull-up?
• A. Shoulder flexion and elbow extension
• B. Shoulder extension, adduction, and internal rotation [CORRECT]
• C. Shoulder abduction and external rotation
• D. Scapular elevation and upward rotation
Correct Answer: B Rationale: The latissimus dorsi performs shoulder extension (pulling arm
down), adduction (pulling arm toward midline), and internal rotation during the pull-up. It does
not flex the shoulder (A) or abduct (C). Scapular elevation (D) is performed by upper trapezius
and levator scapulae. Practical tip: Latissimus dorsi weakness often manifests as excessive
scapular elevation or shrugging during pull-ups.
Q9. A motor unit consists of:
• A. A single muscle fiber and its associated tendon
• B. A motor neuron and all muscle fibers it innervates [CORRECT]
• C. All motor neurons supplying a single muscle
• D. A sensory neuron and its corresponding muscle spindle
Correct Answer: B Rationale: A motor unit comprises one alpha motor neuron and all the
muscle fibers it innervates. When the neuron fires, all fibers in that unit contract simultaneously
(all-or-none law). This does not include tendons (A) or represent an entire muscle (C). Practical
tip: Small motor units (fewer fibers per neuron) allow fine motor control; large motor units
generate greater force but with less precision.
Q10. During the eccentric phase of a biceps curl, the triceps brachii acts as the:
• A. Agonist
• B. Antagonist [CORRECT]
• C. Synergist
• D. Fixator
