What occurs during an isometric contraction?

During an isometric contraction, muscles contract without changing length. This type of contraction occurs when a muscle generates force without visibly shortening or lengthening, such as when you push against a stationary object or hold a weight in a fixed position.

In this scenario, the muscle fibers are active, producing tension, but there is no movement of the joint because the opposing forces are balanced. This is often used in strength training and rehabilitation to maintain muscle strength and stability without the added stress of joint movement.

The other options describe different types of muscle contractions. For instance, when muscles lengthen and then shorten, it refers to isotonic contractions. Muscles not contracting at all implies a state of rest, and experiencing a full range of motion indicates dynamic movements that involve changing muscle lengths. None of these accurately represents what happens during an isometric contraction.