At slower-than-preferred speeds, muscles must contract longer to maintain what?

At slower-than-preferred speeds, muscles must contract longer to maintain what?

• A. Postural stability
• B. Toe extension
• C. Visual fixation
• D. Arm swing

Answer: (A)

When movement is slower than ideal, maintaining balance relies on sustained, tonic muscle activation to keep the body aligned. With less momentum to assist the motion, muscles must stay contracted longer to hold joints in place and keep the center of gravity over the base of support, supporting postural stability. The other options describe specific actions (toe extension, visual fixation, arm swing) rather than the general need to sustain muscle activity to preserve balance.

When movement is slower than ideal, maintaining balance relies on sustained, tonic muscle activation to keep the body aligned. With less momentum to assist the motion, muscles must stay contracted longer to hold joints in place and keep the center of gravity over the base of support, supporting postural stability. The other options describe specific actions (toe extension, visual fixation, arm swing) rather than the general need to sustain muscle activity to preserve balance.