CPSS Performance and Wellness 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which neuromuscular assessment is considered the most sensitive and practical field test for detecting residual fatigue after high-intensity training blocks?
- 1-repetition maximum squat
- Countermovement jump (CMJ) with force plate (Correct answer)
- 300-meter shuttle run
- Grip strength dynamometry
Correct answer: Countermovement jump (CMJ) with force plate
CMJ with a force plate detects subtle changes in neuromuscular output (force-time characteristics) that precede performance decrements, making it the gold-standard field fatigue monitoring tool.
Question 2: Which vitamin deficiency is most commonly associated with compromised immune function, reduced bone health, and mood disturbances in athletes who train predominantly indoors?
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D (Correct answer)
- Vitamin K
Correct answer: Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in indoor athletes due to limited sunlight exposure and affects immune regulation, bone mineral density, and is linked to depression and mood disorders.
Question 3: In the context of the CPSS, what does 'periodization of recovery' mean in a performance program?
- Scheduling recovery only after injury occurs
- Systematically planning recovery interventions within and between training cycles (Correct answer)
- Reducing training volume permanently to prevent fatigue
- Replacing training sessions with sleep
Correct answer: Systematically planning recovery interventions within and between training cycles
Periodization of recovery means deliberately integrating recovery strategies (sleep, nutrition, modalities) into the training plan at the micro, meso, and macrocycle levels to optimize adaptation.
Question 4: An athlete's resting heart rate has increased by 8 bpm above their 7-day rolling average for three consecutive mornings. According to best monitoring practices, what is the most appropriate initial response?
- Immediately prescribe complete rest for one week
- Investigate potential causes (sleep, stress, illness) and reduce training load before reassessing (Correct answer)
- Increase training intensity to force adaptation
- Ignore the finding as normal daily variation
Correct answer: Investigate potential causes (sleep, stress, illness) and reduce training load before reassessing
A sustained elevation in resting HR is a valid fatigue signal, but the appropriate response is to investigate context and modify load rather than prescribe complete rest or ignore the data.
Question 5: Which of the following best characterizes the dose-response relationship between psychological stress and athletic injury risk according to the Williams and Andersen stress-injury model?
- High trait anxiety with poor coping skills increases injury risk by amplifying stress responses during competition (Correct answer)
- Physical fitness eliminates the effect of psychological stress on injury risk
- Only life event stress, not competitive anxiety, increases injury risk
- Cognitive appraisal has no moderating effect on injury risk
Correct answer: High trait anxiety with poor coping skills increases injury risk by amplifying stress responses during competition
The Williams and Andersen model identifies high trait anxiety, poor coping resources, and negative cognitive appraisal as factors that amplify stress responses, increasing attentional narrowing and muscle tension linked to injury.
Question 6: What is the recommended minimum daily protein intake per kilogram of body mass for strength-trained athletes seeking to optimize muscle protein synthesis and support recovery?
- 0.8 g/kg
- 1.2 g/kg
- 1.6–2.2 g/kg (Correct answer)
- 3.5 g/kg
Correct answer: 1.6–2.2 g/kg
Current evidence supports 1.6–2.2 g/kg/day as the optimal range for maximizing muscle protein synthesis and recovery in strength-trained athletes, with little additional benefit above 2.2 g/kg.
Question 7: A sport scientist is evaluating an athlete's readiness using a traffic-light system. Green = train as planned, Amber = modify load, Red = significant load reduction. Which combination of wellness metrics most appropriately triggers a Red classification?
- Slight fatigue increase, normal mood, adequate sleep
- Normal HRV, slightly elevated resting HR, mild soreness
- RMSSD 30% below baseline, sickness symptoms, Hooper Index score in the highest quartile (Correct answer)
- RPE of 6 on yesterday's session, normal sleep, positive mood
Correct answer: RMSSD 30% below baseline, sickness symptoms, Hooper Index score in the highest quartile
A Red classification requires multiple convergent signals of high stress load: significantly depressed HRV, illness symptoms, and a high Hooper Index together indicate a state requiring substantial load reduction.
CPSS Performance and Wellness 5
Which neuromuscular assessment is considered the most sensitive and practical field test for detecting residual fatigue after high-intensity training blocks?