NSCA-CPT Corrective Exercise 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client presents with a pronated foot (flat arch) during a static postural assessment. Which muscle is most likely underactive?
- Peroneus longus
- Gastrocnemius
- Posterior tibialis (Correct answer)
- Fibularis brevis
Correct answer: Posterior tibialis
Posterior tibialis is the primary dynamic arch supporter; its weakness allows the arch to collapse into pronation.
Question 2: During corrective programming for a client with forward head posture, which exercise is most appropriate in the activation phase?
- Cervical spine flexion stretch
- Chin tucks (deep cervical flexor activation) (Correct answer)
- Upper trapezius SMR
- Scalene static stretch
Correct answer: Chin tucks (deep cervical flexor activation)
Chin tucks activate the deep cervical flexors (longus colli/capitis), which are inhibited in forward head posture.
Question 3: What movement compensation would a trainer look for during a push assessment if the pectoralis minor is overactive?
- Excessive scapular depression
- Scapular elevation and anterior tilting (Correct answer)
- Glenohumeral internal rotation only
- Thoracic extension
Correct answer: Scapular elevation and anterior tilting
Overactive pectoralis minor tilts the scapula anteriorly and elevates it, disrupting normal scapulohumeral rhythm.
Question 4: Which corrective strategy is most appropriate when a client demonstrates bilateral knee valgus due to overactive adductors?
- Static stretch the gluteus medius
- Foam roll the adductors followed by abductor activation (Correct answer)
- Strengthen the adductors with machine exercises
- Foam roll the gluteus medius
Correct answer: Foam roll the adductors followed by abductor activation
Inhibiting (foam rolling) overactive adductors then activating the underactive gluteus medius directly addresses the cause of knee valgus.
Question 5: A client with Janda's layered syndrome would likely present with which combination?
- Tight hamstrings only and no upper body involvement
- Both upper and lower crossed syndrome patterns simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Isolated weak core with no postural deviations
- Tight quadriceps and weak hamstrings only
Correct answer: Both upper and lower crossed syndrome patterns simultaneously
Layered syndrome (stratification syndrome) is the combination of both upper and lower crossed syndromes presenting together.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the role of integration exercises in a corrective exercise program?
- Isolate and strengthen a single underactive muscle
- Reintroduce full movement patterns that reinforce neuromuscular efficiency (Correct answer)
- Apply sustained pressure to reduce muscle tone
- Increase flexibility of shortened muscles through passive means
Correct answer: Reintroduce full movement patterns that reinforce neuromuscular efficiency
Integration exercises train the entire kinetic chain in functional movement patterns after mobility and isolated activation work is complete.
Question 7: When a client demonstrates excessive pronation at the foot during gait, which corrective SMR site should be addressed first?
- Quadriceps
- Peroneals (fibularis muscles) (Correct answer)
- Hamstrings
- IT band
Correct answer: Peroneals (fibularis muscles)
Overactive peroneals evert the foot contributing to pronation; foam rolling them is the first inhibitory step.
NSCA-CPT Corrective Exercise 5
A client presents with a pronated foot (flat arch) during a static postural assessment.
Which muscle is most likely underactive?