ATC Injury Prevention & Wellness Promotion 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An AT notices a gymnast consistently bracing with a Valsalva maneuver during core exercises. Which risk is associated with this breathing pattern in athletes with undetected cardiac conditions?
- Decreased intra-abdominal pressure
- Sudden elevation in blood pressure and reduced venous return (Correct answer)
- Improved oxygen delivery to working muscles
- Reduced risk of herniation during heavy lifts
Correct answer: Sudden elevation in blood pressure and reduced venous return
The Valsalva maneuver acutely spikes intrathoracic pressure, dramatically raises blood pressure, and transiently reduces cardiac output, posing risk in athletes with underlying cardiac pathology.
Question 2: Which OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard requires athletic trainers to use personal protective equipment when treating open wounds?
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication)
- 29 CFR 1910.1030 (Bloodborne Pathogens Standard) (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.147 (Lockout/Tagout)
- 29 CFR 1910.1000 (Air Contaminants)
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.1030 (Bloodborne Pathogens Standard)
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates use of PPE, exposure control plans, and training when workers may contact blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Question 3: A strength and conditioning program is being designed to reduce stress fracture risk in distance runners. Which variable is MOST important to control?
- Maximum sprint speed during interval sessions
- Weekly mileage progression rate (the 10% rule) (Correct answer)
- Post-run static stretching duration
- Number of different running surfaces used per week
Correct answer: Weekly mileage progression rate (the 10% rule)
Rapid increases in training volume are the primary risk factor for bone stress injuries; limiting weekly mileage increases to ≤10% allows bone remodeling to keep pace with load.
Question 4: Which psychological framework BEST describes the readiness of an athlete who acknowledges a substance use problem and is actively researching treatment options?
- Precontemplation stage of the Transtheoretical Model
- Contemplation stage of the Transtheoretical Model
- Preparation stage of the Transtheoretical Model (Correct answer)
- Maintenance stage of the Transtheoretical Model
Correct answer: Preparation stage of the Transtheoretical Model
The preparation stage is characterized by acknowledgment of the problem plus active planning and information-gathering in anticipation of behavioral change.
Question 5: Which component of a comprehensive wellness program MOST effectively targets mental health stigma in a collegiate athletic population?
- Anonymous online mental health screeners only
- Peer leadership programs where athletes share personal mental health experiences (Correct answer)
- Mandatory referrals to counseling for all athletes
- Weekly weigh-ins to monitor stress-related weight changes
Correct answer: Peer leadership programs where athletes share personal mental health experiences
Peer-led destigmatization, where respected athletes model help-seeking behavior, is more effective at reducing mental health stigma than passive or coercive interventions.
Question 6: During a sport-specific movement screen for a lacrosse defender, the AT observes medial knee collapse during a single-leg squat. Which muscles are MOST likely underactive?
- Gastrocnemius and soleus
- Gluteus medius and external hip rotators (Correct answer)
- Rectus femoris and vastus lateralis
- Biceps femoris and semimembranosus
Correct answer: Gluteus medius and external hip rotators
Medial knee collapse (dynamic valgus) is primarily driven by weak hip abductors and external rotators (gluteus medius), allowing femoral adduction and internal rotation.
Question 7: A track and field program wants to implement an evidence-based injury prevention initiative. Which framework provides the BEST structured approach for translating research findings into practice?
- The SOAP note documentation system
- The van Mechelen sequence of prevention model (Correct answer)
- The PRICE protocol for acute injury
- The WBGT monitoring system
Correct answer: The van Mechelen sequence of prevention model
The van Mechelen sequence (establish incidence → identify etiology → introduce measures → assess effectiveness) is the gold-standard public health framework for sports injury prevention programs.
ATC Injury Prevention & Wellness Promotion 5
An AT notices a gymnast consistently bracing with a Valsalva maneuver during core exercises.
Which risk is associated with this breathing pattern in athletes with undetected cardiac conditions?