MES Functional Movement Assessment & Corrective Exercise 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended initial progression strategy for corrective exercise in a client with lower-crossed syndrome?
- Heavy loaded squats immediately to build overall strength
- Inhibit/lengthen overactive hip flexors and lumbar extensors, then activate/strengthen inhibited glutes and abdominals (Correct answer)
- Focus solely on cardiovascular exercise until posture improves naturally
- Brace the spine with a belt and train through the dysfunction
Correct answer: Inhibit/lengthen overactive hip flexors and lumbar extensors, then activate/strengthen inhibited glutes and abdominals
Lower-crossed syndrome requires releasing the tight muscles (hip flexors, lumbar extensors) before activating the inhibited antagonists (glutes, abdominals) to restore proper neuromuscular balance.
Question 2: Which functional test best assesses shoulder mobility limitations relevant to a client returning to overhead activities after rotator cuff injury?
- Grip strength dynamometer test
- Active shoulder flexion range of motion combined with Apley scratch test (Correct answer)
- Maximal overhead press 1-RM
- Standing cable row performance
Correct answer: Active shoulder flexion range of motion combined with Apley scratch test
Active ROM measurement and the Apley scratch test together assess glenohumeral mobility and scapular mobility in multiple planes, identifying residual restrictions before overhead loading.
Question 3: In a client with flat feet (pes planus), which kinetic chain effect most commonly results from excessive foot pronation?
- Hip external rotation and knee varus alignment
- Tibial internal rotation, knee valgus, and compensatory hip adduction/internal rotation (Correct answer)
- Increased ankle plantarflexion range of motion
- Reduced compressive forces at the knee
Correct answer: Tibial internal rotation, knee valgus, and compensatory hip adduction/internal rotation
Flat feet cause excessive pronation that creates tibial internal rotation, which transmits up the kinetic chain as knee valgus and hip adduction, increasing injury risk proximally.
Question 4: Which rehabilitation stage is appropriate for introducing plyometric exercises in a client recovering from ACL reconstruction?
- Immediately post-surgery when swelling subsides
- After achieving full ROM, adequate quad strength (>80% limb symmetry index), and dynamic balance control (Correct answer)
- Only after 5+ years of conservative strength training
- Plyometrics are permanently contraindicated after ACL reconstruction
Correct answer: After achieving full ROM, adequate quad strength (>80% limb symmetry index), and dynamic balance control
Plyometric training requires adequate quadriceps strength (LSI >80%), full ROM, and neuromuscular control to safely introduce impact loading without risking re-injury.
Question 5: When assessing gait in a client with hip osteoarthritis, which compensatory pattern most commonly indicates hip abductor weakness on the affected side?
- Trendelenburg sign: contralateral pelvis drops during stance on the affected leg (Correct answer)
- Excessive arm swing on the affected side
- Forward trunk lean of the entire upper body
- Toe-out gait pattern bilaterally
Correct answer: Trendelenburg sign: contralateral pelvis drops during stance on the affected leg
The Trendelenburg sign reflects insufficient hip abductor strength to stabilize the pelvis during single-leg stance, causing the contralateral hip to drop in the swing phase.
Question 6: Which stability training progression is most appropriate for a client with a history of ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability?
- Immediately progress to unstable surface training with added load
- Begin with eyes-open double-leg balance, progress to single-leg, then add visual and surface perturbations (Correct answer)
- Skip balance training and focus only on strength exercises
- Train exclusively in shoes with maximum support to prevent further sprains
Correct answer: Begin with eyes-open double-leg balance, progress to single-leg, then add visual and surface perturbations
Progressive balance training from bilateral stable surfaces to unilateral and perturbed conditions systematically retrains proprioceptive pathways impaired by repeated ankle sprains.
MES Functional Movement Assessment & Corrective Exercise 2
What is the recommended initial progression strategy for corrective exercise in a client with lower-crossed syndrome?