ACSM ACSM Corrective Exercise Specialist 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following BEST describes synergistic dominance as it relates to movement dysfunction?
- The agonist and antagonist co-contract equally during movement
- A synergist compensates for an inhibited prime mover, creating altered movement patterns (Correct answer)
- Two agonists work together to produce greater force than either alone
- Stabilizers take over the role of global movers during fatigue
Correct answer: A synergist compensates for an inhibited prime mover, creating altered movement patterns
Synergistic dominance occurs when a synergist muscle takes over the role of a weak or inhibited prime mover, causing faulty movement mechanics.
Question 2: A client with chronic low back pain shows limited thoracic rotation during a rotation assessment. Which corrective tool is most appropriate in the Inhibit phase?
- Thoracic spine foam rolling (Correct answer)
- Thoracic rotation dynamic stretch
- Bird-dog exercise
- Pallof press
Correct answer: Thoracic spine foam rolling
Foam rolling the thoracic spine in the Inhibit phase addresses soft tissue restrictions before progressing to mobility and strengthening work.
Question 3: What is the recommended duration for holding a static stretch in the corrective exercise Lengthen phase?
- 5–10 seconds
- 15–20 seconds
- 30 seconds (Correct answer)
- 60–90 seconds
Correct answer: 30 seconds
ACSM guidelines recommend a 30-second hold for static stretches during the Lengthen phase to achieve lasting flexibility improvements.
Question 4: Which of the following movement compensations during a push-up assessment indicates overactivity of the pectoralis minor?
- Scapular winging
- Forward head position
- Scapular protraction and anterior tipping (Correct answer)
- Lumbar hyperextension
Correct answer: Scapular protraction and anterior tipping
An overactive pectoralis minor anteriorly tilts and protracts the scapula, preventing proper scapular retraction during pressing movements.
Question 5: For a client with knee valgus during squatting, which integrated corrective exercise BEST reinforces proper movement patterns?
- Seated leg press with feet wide
- Single-leg squat with hip abductor resistance band (Correct answer)
- Seated hip adduction machine
- Bilateral calf raise
Correct answer: Single-leg squat with hip abductor resistance band
A single-leg squat with a resistance band provides integrated, functional hip abductor activation in a pattern that replicates real movement demands.
Question 6: During the pulling assessment, a client's head protrudes forward. This compensation is most associated with overactivity of which muscles?
- Deep cervical flexors
- Rhomboids and middle trapezius
- Sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius (Correct answer)
- Serratus anterior and lower trapezius
Correct answer: Sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius
Forward head posture during pulling is driven by overactive superficial neck flexors (SCM) and upper trapezius dominating over the deep cervical flexors.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of the Activate phase in the corrective exercise continuum?
- Decrease neural drive to overactive muscles using sustained pressure
- Increase flexibility of shortened soft tissue structures
- Re-educate isolated neuromuscular control of underactive muscles (Correct answer)
- Integrate corrected patterns into dynamic, multi-planar movements
Correct answer: Re-educate isolated neuromuscular control of underactive muscles
The Activate phase uses isolated strengthening and positional isometrics to improve neuromuscular recruitment of previously inhibited or underactive muscles.
ACSM ACSM Corrective Exercise Specialist 5
Which of the following BEST describes synergistic dominance as it relates to movement dysfunction?