College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Fast-twitch muscle fibers are best suited for which type of physical activity?

1. Long-distance running

2. High endurance cycling

3. Sprinting and explosive movements

4. Yoga and flexibility training

The correct answer is: Sprinting and explosive movements

Fast-twitch muscle fibers, also known as Type II fibers, are optimized for activities that require short bursts of speed and power. They are characterized by their ability to generate force quickly but fatigue more rapidly compared to slow-twitch fibers. This makes them particularly suited for sprinting, weightlifting, and explosive movements, where maximum strength and speed are required over a brief duration. In activities like sprinting, the demand for quick, powerful muscle contractions is essential, as they enable athletes to achieve high velocities in a short time frame. Therefore, it is these fast-twitch fibers that primarily engage during such high-intensity, short-duration activities. This specialization means that while they excel in explosive exertion, they are not ideal for endurance activities, which rely more on slow-twitch fibers that can sustain activity over longer periods with less fatigue.