NSCA CSCS - NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Exercise Science Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

An athlete performs a set of high-load (85% 1RM) back squats for 5 repetitions. Which muscle fiber type is MOST likely the primary contributor to this effort, and what is its key characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Type IIx; highest force production and low fatigue resistance

Answer

Type I; high fatigue resistance

Answer

Type IIa; moderate fatigue resistance and high force production

Answer

Type IIC; highly adaptable based on training stimulus

Question 2

During a heavy deadlift, an athlete suddenly relaxes and drops the weight. This relaxation is primarily caused by the activation of which sensory receptor, and what is its function?

Accepted Answer

Golgi Tendon Organ; to cause muscle relaxation when high tension is detected

Answer

Muscle Spindle; to cause muscle contraction when stretched

Answer

Pacinian Corpuscle; to detect changes in pressure and vibration

Answer

Ruffini Ending; to sense slow, deep pressure and stretch

Question 3

A strength and conditioning coach designs a hypertrophy-focused program for a bodybuilder. Which of the following training variable combinations would elicit the MOST significant acute increase in serum growth hormone and testosterone levels?

Accepted Answer

High volume, moderate-to-high intensity (e.g., 4 sets of 10 reps at 75% 1RM), short rest periods (60-90 seconds)

Answer

High volume, low intensity (e.g., 3 sets of 20 reps at 50% 1RM), long rest periods (3-5 minutes)

Answer

Low volume, high intensity (e.g., 5 sets of 2 reps at 95% 1RM), long rest periods (3-5 minutes)

Answer

Low volume, low intensity (e.g., 2 sets of 15 reps at 60% 1RM), short rest periods (30-60 seconds)

Question 4

A novice athlete exhibits significant knee valgus (knees collapsing inward) during the concentric phase of a heavy back squat. From a biomechanical perspective, which of the following is the MOST likely contributor to this movement fault?

Accepted Answer

A strategy to increase the contribution of the hip adductors and shift load to the hips.

Answer

Weakness of the quadriceps muscles leading to insufficient knee extension torque.

Answer

Overactivity of the hip abductor muscles, pulling the femurs outward.

Answer

Excessive ankle dorsiflexion, causing the tibia to translate forward excessively.

Question 5

Which of the following represents a chronic cardiovascular adaptation specifically associated with long-term, high-intensity anaerobic training like resistance training?

Accepted Answer

Increased left ventricular wall thickness (concentric hypertrophy)

Answer

Increased maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max)

Answer

Decreased capillary density in trained muscles

Answer

Decreased resting stroke volume

Question 6

According to the principle of Specificity, which training modality would be MOST effective for improving a basketball player's vertical jump height?

Accepted Answer

Plyometric exercises and Olympic-style lifts to increase the rate of force development.

Answer

Long-distance running to improve cardiovascular endurance.

Answer

High-repetition, low-load resistance training to enhance muscular endurance.

Answer

Heavy, slow resistance training focusing on maximal strength.