ACSM Corrective Exercise Specialist Flashcards

Which muscle is most commonly overactive and contributing to anterior pelvic tilt?

Answer: Hip flexors (iliopsoas)

Tight hip flexors pull the pelvis anteriorly, creating an increased lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt.

When assessing the overhead squat, knees caving inward (valgus) most likely indicates weakness in which muscle group?

Answer: Hip abductors and external rotators

Weak hip abductors and external rotators fail to control femoral internal rotation and adduction, causing knee valgus.

In the ACSM corrective exercise continuum, which phase involves static and active stretching of overactive muscles?

Answer: Phase 2 – Lengthen

The Lengthen phase uses static stretching and neuromuscular stretching to increase flexibility of overactive tissues.

A client demonstrates excessive forward trunk lean during an overhead squat. Which underactive muscle pair most likely needs strengthening?

Answer: Gluteus maximus and thoracic extensors

Weak gluteus maximus and thoracic extensors prevent the client from maintaining an upright torso during the squat.

Which stretching technique involves a 30-second hold and is used in the Lengthen phase of the corrective exercise continuum?

Answer: Static stretching

Static stretching with a 30-second hold is the primary technique used in the Lengthen phase to increase muscle flexibility.

Excessive pronation of the foot during gait is most associated with which compensatory pattern further up the kinetic chain?

Answer: Knee valgus

Foot pronation causes tibial internal rotation, which contributes to femoral internal rotation and knee valgus collapse.

Which assessment best evaluates movement asymmetries and compensations in a dynamic, functional context?

Answer: Overhead squat assessment

The overhead squat assessment is a functional movement screen that reveals compensation patterns throughout the entire kinetic chain.