Special Populations & Injury Prevention Flashcards

Which resistance training adaptation is most impaired in older adults (65+) compared to younger adults?

Answer: Type II muscle fiber hypertrophy

Older adults show blunted Type II (fast-twitch) fiber hypertrophy due to anabolic hormone decline and satellite cell dysfunction.

A pregnant athlete in her second trimester asks about supine exercise. The CSCS should recommend avoiding it primarily because of:

Answer: Aortocaval compression reducing cardiac output

The supine position allows the uterus to compress the inferior vena cava and aorta, reducing maternal cardiac output and fetal blood flow.

For an athlete with type 1 diabetes, which scenario poses the greatest risk of exercise-induced hypoglycemia?

Answer: Prolonged moderate-intensity aerobic exercise lasting 60 minutes

Prolonged moderate aerobic exercise substantially depletes muscle glycogen and increases insulin sensitivity, creating the highest hypoglycemia risk.

When designing a program for a youth athlete (age 12), relative to an adult, the CSCS should primarily adjust:

Answer: Emphasize technique, lower loads, and higher repetitions

Youth programs should prioritize movement skill development with lighter loads and higher reps, as neuromuscular learning is the primary training goal.

An athlete with hypertension is cleared for exercise. Which exercise modality carries the greatest acute blood pressure risk?

Answer: Heavy Valsalva-assisted resistance training

The Valsalva maneuver during heavy lifting causes dramatic acute blood pressure spikes that are particularly dangerous in hypertensive individuals.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is most commonly worsened by which movement pattern deficiency?

Answer: Contralateral hip drop due to hip abductor weakness

Hip abductor weakness allows the femur to adduct and internally rotate, increasing lateral patellar compression and patellofemoral contact stress.

For an obese client (BMI 38), which initial exercise selection is most appropriate to minimize joint stress while building aerobic base?

Answer: Water-based exercise or swimming

Aquatic exercise provides buoyancy that reduces weight-bearing joint stress by up to 90%, making it ideal for obese individuals starting an exercise program.