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

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia exam with our high-quality resources. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Elevate your exam readiness!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the primary function of slow-twitch muscle fibers?

Enabling powerful bursts of energy
Facilitating long-endurance activities
Promoting rapid fatigue during exercise
Supporting short, intense workouts

The correct answer is: Facilitating long-endurance activities

The primary function of slow-twitch muscle fibers is indeed to facilitate long-endurance activities. These fibers are characterized by their ability to sustain prolonged contractions and provide endurance, which is essential for activities such as distance running, cycling, and swimming. Slow-twitch fibers have a high concentration of mitochondria, which allows for efficient aerobic metabolism, ensuring a steady supply of energy over extended periods. This makes them particularly well-suited for activities that require stamina rather than explosive strength. In contrast, muscle fibers that are responsible for enabling powerful bursts of energy or promoting rapid fatigue are typically fast-twitch fibers. Fast-twitch fibers are designed for short, intense activities, where high power output is necessary, but they fatigue more quickly than slow-twitch fibers. Therefore, while each muscle fiber type plays a crucial role in physical performance, slow-twitch fibers specialize in endurance capabilities, making them essential for prolonged physical activity.