NASM-CPT Special Populations and Flexibility Training 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which flexibility technique involves alternating contraction and relaxation of a muscle to improve range of motion?
- Static stretching
- Dynamic stretching
- Foam rolling
- PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching (Correct answer)
Correct answer: PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching
PNF stretching leverages the contract-relax mechanism to achieve greater muscle inhibition and range of motion compared to static stretching alone.
Question 2: When designing an exercise program for a client with osteoporosis, a trainer should AVOID:
- Resistance training
- Weight-bearing activities
- High-impact, repetitive spinal flexion movements (Correct answer)
- Balance exercises
Correct answer: High-impact, repetitive spinal flexion movements
High-impact activities and repetitive spinal flexion (e.g., sit-ups) increase fracture risk in clients with osteoporosis and should be avoided.
Question 3: The NASM Integrated Flexibility Continuum progresses from corrective → active → functional flexibility. What is the primary tool used in the corrective phase?
- Dynamic stretching
- Plyometrics
- Self-myofascial release and static stretching (Correct answer)
- Agility drills
Correct answer: Self-myofascial release and static stretching
The corrective phase uses self-myofascial release (foam rolling) followed by static stretching to address muscle imbalances and restore normal range of motion.
Question 4: For obese clients, which exercise modification is MOST appropriate initially?
- High-impact jumping exercises
- Heavy barbell squats
- Low-impact, non-weight-bearing or partial-weight-bearing activities (Correct answer)
- Maximal effort sprints
Correct answer: Low-impact, non-weight-bearing or partial-weight-bearing activities
Low-impact and non-weight-bearing activities minimize joint stress and injury risk for obese clients while still providing meaningful cardiovascular and muscular stimulus.
Question 5: A youth athlete (under 18) can safely participate in resistance training provided that:
- They only perform bodyweight exercises
- Proper technique, age-appropriate loads, and qualified supervision are in place (Correct answer)
- They wait until Tanner Stage 5 of development
- No more than 2 sets per exercise are performed
Correct answer: Proper technique, age-appropriate loads, and qualified supervision are in place
With proper technique, appropriate loading, and qualified supervision, resistance training is safe and beneficial for youth athletes, improving strength and reducing injury risk.
Question 6: Hypertension is generally defined as a resting blood pressure of:
- Above 110/70 mmHg
- Above 120/80 mmHg
- At or above 130/80 mmHg (Correct answer)
- Above 150/95 mmHg
Correct answer: At or above 130/80 mmHg
According to current ACC/AHA guidelines, hypertension is defined as a resting blood pressure at or above 130/80 mmHg.
NASM-CPT Special Populations and Flexibility Training 2
Which flexibility technique involves alternating contraction and relaxation of a muscle to improve range of motion?