ACSM Corrective Exercise Specialist 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which corrective exercise technique is classified as an 'inhibitory' technique in the NASM model?
- Static stretching
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation
- Self-myofascial release (SMR) (Correct answer)
- Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
Correct answer: Self-myofascial release (SMR)
SMR is classified as an inhibitory technique because it uses sustained pressure to stimulate the GTO and reduce neural drive to the overactive muscle.
Question 2: A client presents with low back arching (excessive lumbar extension) during the OHSA. Which muscle is most likely underactive?
- Erector spinae
- Gluteus maximus
- Transversus abdominis (Correct answer)
- Quadratus lumborum
Correct answer: Transversus abdominis
Underactive transversus abdominis fails to stabilize the lumbar spine, allowing the erector spinae to dominate and pull the spine into excessive lordosis.
Question 3: Which assessment modification should be used when a client cannot perform an overhead squat due to shoulder limitations?
- Seated leg press assessment
- Pulling assessment (Correct answer)
- Loaded barbell squat assessment
- Step-down assessment
Correct answer: Pulling assessment
The pulling assessment is an alternative movement screen that evaluates the kinetic chain without requiring full shoulder overhead mobility.
Question 4: In corrective exercise, what does the term 'length-tension relationship' refer to?
- The speed at which a muscle contracts under load
- The optimal muscle length at which maximum force can be produced (Correct answer)
- The relationship between muscle fiber type and endurance capacity
- The ratio of eccentric to concentric force production
Correct answer: The optimal muscle length at which maximum force can be produced
The length-tension relationship describes that a muscle produces maximal force at its optimal resting length, with force decreasing at shorter or longer lengths.
Question 5: Which muscle is most commonly found underactive in clients with lower crossed syndrome?
- Hip flexors
- Erector spinae
- Gluteus maximus (Correct answer)
- Rectus femoris
Correct answer: Gluteus maximus
Lower crossed syndrome involves overactive hip flexors and erector spinae, with underactive gluteus maximus and deep abdominals as the hallmark pattern.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of the 'activate' phase in the corrective exercise continuum?
- To inhibit overactive muscles before stretching
- To increase cardiovascular endurance
- To reeducate and strengthen underactive muscles in isolation (Correct answer)
- To integrate multiple muscles in functional patterns
Correct answer: To reeducate and strengthen underactive muscles in isolation
The activate phase uses isolated strengthening exercises (e.g., positional isometrics) to reeducate and strengthen underactive muscles before integrating them into functional movement.
Question 7: Pronation distortion syndrome at the foot is most directly associated with which movement compensation higher up the kinetic chain?
- Shoulder elevation
- Knee valgus and internal tibial rotation (Correct answer)
- Hip external rotation
- Lumbar flexion
Correct answer: Knee valgus and internal tibial rotation
Excessive foot pronation causes internal tibial rotation that drives the knee into valgus, demonstrating how a distal dysfunction creates proximal compensations.
ACSM Corrective Exercise Specialist 5
Which corrective exercise technique is classified as an 'inhibitory' technique in the NASM model?