ACE Functional Fitness Assessments 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which flexibility assessment measures posterior shoulder tightness by evaluating the ability to reach one hand up the back and the other down from the top?
- Apley scratch test (Correct answer)
- Shoulder flexion goniometry
- Sleeper stretch test
- Horizontal adduction test
Correct answer: Apley scratch test
The Apley scratch test evaluates shoulder range of motion and posterior capsule tightness by measuring the distance between the fingertips behind the back.
Question 2: During a functional movement screen, a client consistently shifts body weight to one side during a squat. This asymmetry most often points to a problem with which system?
- Cardiovascular efficiency
- Neuromuscular control and hip mobility asymmetry (Correct answer)
- Pulmonary function
- Metabolic flexibility
Correct answer: Neuromuscular control and hip mobility asymmetry
Weight shift during squatting typically reflects unilateral hip mobility restriction or neuromuscular control asymmetry between sides.
Question 3: What does the sit-and-reach test primarily measure?
- Hip flexor length
- Hamstring and lower back flexibility (Correct answer)
- Lumbar extensor strength
- Iliopsoas tightness
Correct answer: Hamstring and lower back flexibility
The sit-and-reach test evaluates hamstring flexibility and, to a lesser degree, lower back extensibility.
Question 4: When performing a standing postural assessment from the lateral view, the ear, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle should ideally align with which reference?
- The anterior superior iliac spine
- A vertical plumb line (Correct answer)
- The greater trochanter
- The medial malleolus
Correct answer: A vertical plumb line
In ideal lateral standing posture, all key landmarks should fall on or near a vertical plumb line dropped from the ear.
Question 5: The modified sit-and-reach test was developed to address which limitation of the traditional sit-and-reach test?
- It excludes trunk rotation measurements
- It controls for differences in limb length proportions (Correct answer)
- It prevents hamstring cramping
- It measures bilateral flexibility separately
Correct answer: It controls for differences in limb length proportions
The modified sit-and-reach test accounts for variation in arm and leg length ratios, making comparisons more valid across individuals.
Question 6: Which gait deviation is most associated with weak hip abductors during the single-support phase of walking?
- Antalgic gait
- Trendelenburg gait (Correct answer)
- Scissor gait
- Steppage gait
Correct answer: Trendelenburg gait
Weak hip abductors cause contralateral pelvic drop during single-leg support, producing the Trendelenburg gait pattern.
Question 7: When assessing a client with the Thomas test and a positive result is found, which muscle group is identified as overactive?
- Hamstrings
- Gluteus maximus
- Hip flexors (iliopsoas) (Correct answer)
- Adductors
Correct answer: Hip flexors (iliopsoas)
A positive Thomas test, where the non-tested leg rises off the table, indicates tight hip flexors (iliopsoas) limiting hip extension.
ACE Functional Fitness Assessments 3
Which flexibility assessment measures posterior shoulder tightness by evaluating the ability to reach one hand up the back and the other down from the top?