NASM Corrective Exercise and Flexibility Training 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When doing a push-up assessment, a client's shoulders elevate. Which muscle is most likely overactive?
- Upper trapezius (Correct answer)
- Serratus anterior
- Rhomboids
- Lower trapezius
Correct answer: Upper trapezius
Overactive upper trapezius and levator scapulae pull the scapulae upward during pushing.
Question 2: Which flexibility technique uses a short hold of about 1-2 seconds and 5-10 repetitions?
- Neuromuscular stretching
- Static stretching
- Self-myofascial release
- Active-isolated stretching (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Active-isolated stretching
Active-isolated stretching uses agonist and synergist contraction to move a joint briefly into a stretch for 1-2 seconds per rep.
Question 3: Which flexibility type best suits a client with no muscle imbalances who is warming up for a power training session?
- Prolonged static holds of 2 minutes
- Dynamic stretching (Correct answer)
- Self-myofascial release only
- Static stretching
Correct answer: Dynamic stretching
Dynamic stretching fits clients without imbalances and uses force production through full range of motion before power work.
Question 4: A client's low back arches excessively during the overhead squat. Which muscle is most likely underactive?
- Latissimus dorsi
- Erector spinae
- Hip flexor complex
- Gluteus maximus (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Gluteus maximus
Underactive gluteus maximus, hamstrings, and intrinsic core stabilizers let the hip flexors and erector spinae pull the lumbar spine into extension.
Question 5: Joint dysfunction that changes muscle activation and movement around that joint is called what?
- Arthrokinetic dysfunction (Correct answer)
- Davis's law
- Synergistic dominance
- Autogenic inhibition
Correct answer: Arthrokinetic dysfunction
Arthrokinetic dysfunction is altered joint motion that disrupts the muscle activity and movement around the joint.
Question 6: Which corrective exercise is the best choice for integrating a client who shows knee valgus?
- Static stretch of the gluteus medius
- Foam rolling the VMO
- Seated adductor machine
- Ball squat with overhead press, keeping knees aligned over the toes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Ball squat with overhead press, keeping knees aligned over the toes
Integrated dynamic movements like a ball squat to overhead press retrain correct total-body patterns after inhibition, lengthening, and activation.
Question 7: A client's arms fall forward during the overhead squat. Which pair of muscles should be inhibited and lengthened?
- Gluteus medius and gluteus maximus
- Rotator cuff and lower trapezius
- Middle trapezius and rhomboids
- Latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major
Overactive latissimus dorsi, teres major, and pectorals pull the arms forward, so they are targeted for SMR and stretching.
