Which statement best defines isometric exercise?

Which statement best defines isometric exercise?

• A. Muscle contraction without joint movement
• B. Muscle length shortening with movement
• C. Muscle length lengthening with movement
• D. Movement with variable resistance

Answer: (A)

Isometric exercise is about contracting a muscle without changing the joint position. The muscle builds tension while the body part stays still, like holding a plank or pressing against a wall. This static contraction contrasts with movements where the muscle shortens (concentric/isotonic) or lengthens (eccentric) as the joint moves, and with dynamic resistance where the movement occurs with varying load. So the key idea is generating force without movement.

Isometric exercise is about contracting a muscle without changing the joint position. The muscle builds tension while the body part stays still, like holding a plank or pressing against a wall. This static contraction contrasts with movements where the muscle shortens (concentric/isotonic) or lengthens (eccentric) as the joint moves, and with dynamic resistance where the movement occurs with varying load. So the key idea is generating force without movement.