AQA GCSE Physical Education Paper 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport, June 2025: Question 9

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme

09 Figure 2 shows an individual lifting a weight.

Figure 2

Use Figure 2 to help you answer Questions 9.1 to 9.2.

09.1 Identify the joint action taking place at the elbow as they move the weight from

A to B.

[1 mark]

Marks for this question AO2 = 1

Award one mark for identifying the joint action at the elbow as they move the weight from A to B.

• Extension (1)

Maximum 1 mark

09.2 Identify the type of isotonic muscle contraction that is taking place at the elbow as

they move the weight from A to B.

[1 mark]

Marks for this question AO2 = 1

Award one mark for identifying the type of isotonic muscle contraction at the elbow as they move the

weight from A to B.

• Concentric (1)

Maximum 1 mark

How to answer it

Movement Analysis: Overhead Dumbbell Extension

📌 What this question tests

This question assesses your ability to apply knowledge of applied anatomy and movement analysis (AO2) to a practical sporting scenario (a resistance training exercise).

Identifying the specific joint action at a hinge joint (elbow) during a movement.
Distinguishing between types of isotonic muscle contraction (concentric vs. eccentric).

Visual Breakdown of Figure 2:
• Position A: Starting phase – The arm is bent backwards at the elbow behind the head (elbow is in flexion).
• Position B: Finishing phase – The arm is pushed upwards, straightening the arm overhead (elbow is in full extension).

Question 09.1 • 1 Mark (AO2)

Joint Action at the Elbow

"Identify the joint action taking place at the elbow as they move the weight from A to B."

✅ Correct Answer

Extension

Award 1 mark for correctly identifying "Extension".

💡 Key Knowledge

Flexion: Decreasing the angle at a joint (bending the arm).
Extension: Increasing the angle at a joint (straightening the arm).
Moving from A to B increases the angle at the hinge joint of the elbow from roughly 45°–60° to 180°.

🧠 Exam Technique

Follow the arrow/direction: Always check whether the question asks for A to B or B to A.
Look only at the specified joint: the question asks specifically about the elbow , not the shoulder.

❌ Common Errors

Confusing flexion and extension: Writing "Flexion" because position A shows a flexed elbow. The question asks for the movement taking place.
Naming the joint type: Writing "hinge joint" instead of the action occurring at the joint.

Mark Scheme Note: 1 mark AO2. Do not accept shoulder actions (e.g. flexion/abduction). The target joint is explicitly the elbow.

Question 09.2 • 1 Mark (AO2)

Type of Muscle Contraction

"Identify the type of isotonic muscle contraction that is taking place at the elbow as they move the weight from A to B."

✅ Correct Answer

Concentric

Award 1 mark for correctly naming "Concentric".

💡 Key Knowledge

Agonist muscle: The triceps brachii is the prime mover (agonist) responsible for elbow extension.
Concentric contraction: Muscle shortens under tension as it overcomes resistance (lifting phase from A to B).
Eccentric contraction: Muscle lengthens under tension (controlling weight on the way down from B to A).

🧠 Exam Technique

The question already specifies isotonic. Do not write "isometric" (where muscle length does not change).
Your only two choices for isotonic are concentric or eccentric. Since work is done against gravity (upward drive), it is concentric.

❌ Common Errors

Writing "Isometric" – this is not a type of isotonic contraction, and movement is clearly occurring.
Writing "Eccentric" – this would only be correct if moving from B down to A (lowering under control).
Just writing "Isotonic" – the question asks for the type of isotonic contraction.

Mark Scheme Note: 1 mark AO2. Only "Concentric" is acceptable.

Topics

3.1 The human body and movement in physical activity and sport · 3.1.1 Applied anatomy and physiology · 3.1.2 Movement analysis