ACSM Corrective Exercise Specialist Flashcards
7 cards from real ACSM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 ACSM Corrective Exercise Specialist flashcards as text
Lower crossed syndrome is characterized by which pattern of muscle imbalances?
Answer: Tight hip flexors and lumbar extensors; weak gluteals and abdominals
Lower crossed syndrome involves overactive hip flexors/lumbar extensors and underactive gluteals/abdominals causing anterior pelvic tilt.
Which corrective exercise progression is most appropriate for an initial session with a client who has poor hip mobility and weak glutes?
Answer: Hip flexor foam roll → kneeling hip flexor stretch → glute bridge
Beginning with foam rolling and stretching to inhibit and lengthen overactive hip flexors, then activating the glutes, follows the corrective continuum.
The 'joint-by-joint' concept suggests that the lumbar spine should primarily function as which type of joint?
Answer: Stable with limited mobility
According to the joint-by-joint approach, the lumbar spine is designed for stability, while the thoracic spine and hips provide mobility.
A client displays arching of the low back (lumbar extension) during an overhead press. The BEST corrective strategy targets which area first?
Answer: Foam roll the thoracic spine and stretch the lats before pressing
Limited thoracic mobility and tight lats force lumbar hyperextension during overhead movements, so releasing these first is the corrective priority.
Which assessment finding during a pulling movement (seated row) indicates overactivity of the upper trapezius?
Answer: Shoulder elevation during the pull
An overactive upper trapezius causes the shoulder to shrug upward during pulling movements instead of proper scapular depression and retraction.
Which stretching modality uses a 7–10 second isometric contraction followed by passive elongation to achieve greater ROM gains?
Answer: PNF contract-relax stretching
PNF contract-relax stretching leverages post-isometric relaxation and reciprocal inhibition to achieve greater increases in range of motion.
A corrective exercise specialist observes a client's heel rising off the floor during the overhead squat. The FIRST corrective priority is to address which structure?
Answer: Gastrocnemius/soleus tightness
Heel rise during a squat most commonly indicates restricted ankle dorsiflexion due to tight gastrocnemius and/or soleus.