ACSM Corrective Exercise Specialist

Question 1

What is the primary goal of corrective exercise?

Accepted Answer

To identify and address movement dysfunction and muscle imbalances to restore optimal movement patterns

Answer

Corrective exercise aims to identify dysfunction, address underlying causes (tightness, weakness, poor motor control), and restore efficient movement patterns.

Question 2

In the corrective exercise continuum, which phase comes immediately after foam rolling (self-myofascial release)?

Accepted Answer

Static or active isolated stretching to lengthen the target tissue

Answer

After SMR reduces tone in overactive tissue via autogenic inhibition, static or dynamic stretching further lengthens the target muscle.

Question 3

Which muscle is most commonly identified as overactive/shortened in individuals with anterior pelvic tilt?

Accepted Answer

Iliopsoas

Answer

The iliopsoas (hip flexor) is typically overactive and shortened in anterior pelvic tilt, pulling the lumbar spine and pelvis into extension.

Question 4

What does the Golgi tendon organ (GTO) response trigger when overstimulated?

Accepted Answer

Autogenic inhibition — a reflexive decrease in muscle tension

Answer

When stimulated by excessive tension, the GTO triggers autogenic inhibition, causing the muscle to relax — the mechanism exploited by foam rolling and static stretching.

Question 5

Reciprocal inhibition in the context of corrective exercise means:

Accepted Answer

When an agonist muscle contracts, the antagonist is neurologically inhibited to allow smooth movement

Answer

Reciprocal inhibition is the neural mechanism by which activation of the agonist (prime mover) reflexively inhibits the antagonist to allow efficient movement.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Corrective Exercise Specialist