Special Populations and Flexibility Training Flashcards
6 cards from real NASM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Special Populations and Flexibility Training flashcards as text
When working with a client who has coronary artery disease (CAD), exercise intensity should generally be kept:
Answer: Below the ischemic threshold, as determined by a physician or stress test
For CAD clients, exercise must stay below the ischemic threshold identified during medical testing to prevent angina or cardiac events.
Active stretching (active-isolated stretching) improves flexibility by:
Answer: Contracting the agonist to move the joint while the antagonist lengthens
Active stretching uses voluntary contraction of the agonist muscle to move a joint into range, which simultaneously causes reciprocal inhibition of the antagonist, allowing it to lengthen.
Which of the following signs would indicate that a trainer should STOP a training session and seek emergency assistance?
Answer: Client reports chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath
Chest pain, severe dizziness, or sudden shortness of breath are potential signs of a cardiac emergency requiring immediate cessation of exercise and activation of EMS.
The recommended static stretch hold time per NASM for improving flexibility in a general healthy adult is:
Answer: 30 seconds
NASM recommends holding static stretches for approximately 30 seconds to achieve meaningful improvements in muscle extensibility and range of motion.
For a client who is postpartum and has been cleared for exercise, which core exercise consideration is MOST important?
Answer: Assessing for diastasis recti before prescribing direct core exercises
Diastasis recti (separation of the rectus abdominis) is common postpartum, and direct core exercises can worsen it if present, so assessment is essential before programming.
Self-myofascial release (SMR) using a foam roller is recommended to be held on a tender spot for approximately:
Answer: 30–90 seconds until discomfort reduces
NASM recommends maintaining pressure on a tender point for 30–90 seconds until the perceived discomfort decreases, indicating autogenic inhibition and tissue release.