Assessment & Mobility Training Techniques Flashcards

In FRC terminology, how is 'mobility' best distinguished from 'flexibility'?

Answer: Mobility is the range a joint can actively control; flexibility is the range it can reach passively

FRC defines mobility as actively controllable range, whereas flexibility is the passive range available.

A client shows 45 degrees of passive hip internal rotation but only 20 degrees actively. What does FRC call this difference?

Answer: The passive-active gap

The difference between passive and active range is the gap FRC training aims to close.

What is the primary purpose of performing CARs at the start of a training session?

Answer: To assess and maintain joint health by moving through the largest controllable rotational range

CARs serve as both a daily joint-health practice and an ongoing self-assessment of usable range.

During a hip CAR, the client's pelvis tilts and the lumbar spine flexes as the knee circles. What should the coach cue?

Answer: Increase full-body tension (irradiation) and reduce range to keep motion isolated at the hip

CARs require isolation, so compensation is controlled with irradiation and a smaller, owned range.

In the Functional Range Assessment (FRA), why are passive and active ranges both measured?

Answer: To determine whether a limitation is a tissue/joint restriction or a lack of active control

Comparing passive and active ranges helps separate structural limits from control deficits.

Which FRC technique involves a ramping isometric contraction of the tissues being lengthened, performed at the end of a passive stretch?

Answer: PAILs

PAILs (Progressive Angular Isometric Loading) contract the lengthened tissue to build strength at end range.

When an FRA reveals end-range pain with a hard, abrupt end feel during passive testing, what is the most appropriate next step?

Answer: Refer or further investigate as a possible structural or articular issue before loading

Pain with an abrupt end feel suggests a structural concern that warrants caution or referral rather than aggressive loading.

In a RAILs contraction, which tissues are contracted?

Answer: The tissues on the shortened side, actively pulling the joint deeper into range

RAILs (Regressive Angular Isometric Loading) contract the shortened side to drive the joint further toward end range.

What is a 'lift-off' in FRC mobility training?

Answer: Actively holding a limb beyond its active range after it has been placed there passively

Lift-offs challenge the client to actively maintain or move into range that was previously only passively accessible.

How does a 'hover' differ from a 'lift-off'?

Answer: A hover is an extended hold of the limb off support, emphasizing isometric endurance at that position

Hovers prolong the time the limb is held off support, building control and endurance at that angle.

Why does FRC emphasize 'irradiation' during CARs and isometric drills?

Answer: Generating tension throughout the body helps isolate the target joint and increases neural drive

Irradiation creates whole-body tension that stabilizes non-working areas and improves isolation at the target joint.

A coach wants to expand a client's shoulder external rotation. Which sequence reflects a typical FRC progression?

Answer: Passive stretch, PAILs, RAILs, then lift-offs or end-range work to use the new range

FRC typically expands range with passive stretching plus PAILs/RAILs, then trains active control of that new range.

In the FRA, what does a significant gap between passive range and active range typically suggest?

Answer: A control or strength deficit at end range rather than purely a tissue length limitation

If passive range is available but cannot be accessed actively, the limitation is primarily one of control.

Which intensity guideline best matches FRC recommendations for routine daily CARs?

Answer: Low-to-moderate tension that allows slow, controlled, isolated movement

Daily CARs are done slowly with enough tension to control and isolate, not at maximal effort.

What is the 90/90 position commonly used for in FRC hip training?

Answer: A base position for training hip internal and external rotation in both legs

In 90/90 one hip is in external rotation and the other in internal rotation, making it a staple hip base position.

During spinal CARs, what is the key coaching objective?

Answer: Articulate the spine segment by segment through flexion, lateral flexion, and extension

Spinal CARs aim for segmental articulation, revealing stiff or uncontrolled regions.

Why does FRC advise holding a passive stretch for a period before applying PAILs?

Answer: To allow the tissue to settle into the position and acclimate before the isometric loading

A preliminary passive hold lets the tissue adapt to the position before progressive isometric loading.

A client's ankle CAR shows smooth motion except for a 'skipped' arc where the foot jumps quickly through part of the circle. What does this most likely indicate?

Answer: A region of the rotational range the client cannot actively control

Skipping or speeding through part of a CAR typically reveals a zone lacking active control.

How should the intensity of PAILs and RAILs be built during each contraction?

Answer: Gradually ramp up tension rather than contracting maximally at once

FRC isometrics are ramped progressively to safely reach higher tension at end range.

Which statement best reflects the FRC view on why end-range strength matters for injury prevention?

Answer: Tissues injured at end range are often those lacking strength and control there, so training end-range capacity improves resilience

FRC holds that building strength and control at end range expands the body's tolerance to load in vulnerable positions.