End range motion will reduce strength and fatigue the body earlier in an activity but requires less effort. Which statement is correct?

End range motion will reduce strength and fatigue the body earlier in an activity but requires less effort. Which statement is correct?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not always
• D. It depends

Answer: (B)

End range motion affects how much force a muscle can produce because muscles have a preferred length where they generate the most force, and the joint lever arm can become less favorable as you move to the end of the range. At end range, the muscle is often slightly stretched beyond its optimal length and the mechanical advantage is reduced, so the muscle can’t generate as much force as it can at mid-range. To accomplish the same movement under these conditions, the body typically must recruit more motor units and work harder, not less. Fatigue may occur sooner because the muscle is asked to produce force under less favorable leverage for longer or with greater effort. So the statement is false: end range reduces strength and can lead to earlier fatigue, but it does not require less effort.

End range motion affects how much force a muscle can produce because muscles have a preferred length where they generate the most force, and the joint lever arm can become less favorable as you move to the end of the range. At end range, the muscle is often slightly stretched beyond its optimal length and the mechanical advantage is reduced, so the muscle can’t generate as much force as it can at mid-range. To accomplish the same movement under these conditions, the body typically must recruit more motor units and work harder, not less. Fatigue may occur sooner because the muscle is asked to produce force under less favorable leverage for longer or with greater effort. So the statement is false: end range reduces strength and can lead to earlier fatigue, but it does not require less effort.