Special Populations & Injury Prevention Flashcards

When designing a resistance training program for a 14-year-old male adolescent athlete, which is the most important consideration per NSCA youth guidelines?

Answer: Emphasizing proper technique, age-appropriate loads, and qualified supervision with progressive overload

NSCA youth resistance training guidelines support resistance training as safe and beneficial for youth when properly supervised, with emphasis on technique mastery, age-appropriate progressive loading, and qualified supervision.

For an athlete with anterior knee pain (patellofemoral syndrome), which exercise modification is most appropriate per evidence-based practice?

Answer: Limit knee flexion depth to under 60-70 degrees and use terminal knee extensions to strengthen the VMO in a low-compressive range

Patellofemoral compressive forces peak at approximately 90 degrees knee flexion; limiting depth to under 60-70 degrees and using terminal knee extensions strengthens the VMO in a low-compressive range while managing pain.

What is the key distinction between functional overreaching and non-functional overreaching in the athletic training context?

Answer: Functional overreaching is a planned short-term load increase with subsequent supercompensation; non-functional overreaching involves prolonged performance decrements without full recovery

Functional overreaching (FOR) is a planned short-term performance decline followed by supercompensation after tapering. Non-functional overreaching (NFOR) involves prolonged performance decrements (weeks to months) even after adequate rest, indicating maladaptation.

What physiological factor most explains the rapid strength gains seen in the first 4-6 weeks of resistance training in an older adult (65 years)?

Answer: Neural adaptations: increased motor unit recruitment, rate coding, and improved motor unit synchronization

Early strength gains (first 4-8 weeks) in any population, especially older adults, are primarily neural: the nervous system becomes more efficient at recruiting and activating existing motor units before significant muscle hypertrophy occurs.

During an ACL reconstruction return-to-sport protocol, when is the CSCS most appropriately first involved in the athlete's care?

Answer: After receiving written medical clearance, typically during late-stage rehabilitation to begin sport-specific conditioning

The CSCS becomes involved after medical clearance, typically during late-stage rehabilitation, to begin sport-specific strength and conditioning while coordinating with the physical therapist to bridge the gap to full return-to-sport.

Which training recommendation is most appropriate for a previously active pregnant athlete in her second trimester?

Answer: Continue aerobic exercise at moderate intensity (RPE 12-14), avoid supine exercises after 16 weeks, and modify contact and high fall-risk activities

ACOG and NSCA guidelines support continuing moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (RPE 12-14) through uncomplicated pregnancy, with key modifications including avoiding supine positions after 16 weeks (aortocaval compression risk) and modifying contact sports.