PAS Corrective Exercise Programming 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which phase of the OPT model is most appropriate as the starting point for a client with chronic postural dysfunction?
- Phase 1: Stabilization Endurance (Correct answer)
- Phase 2: Strength Endurance
- Phase 3: Hypertrophy
- Phase 4: Maximal Strength
Correct answer: Phase 1: Stabilization Endurance
Phase 1 Stabilization Endurance establishes neuromuscular control and postural stability before progressing to strength or power phases.
Question 2: A client presents with forward head posture. Which muscle is most likely overactive and should be inhibited?
- Deep cervical flexors
- Upper trapezius (Correct answer)
- Rhomboids
- Serratus anterior
Correct answer: Upper trapezius
The upper trapezius is commonly overactive in forward head posture, elevating and anteriorly tilting the scapula while contributing to cervical extension.
Question 3: What is the primary goal of self-myofascial release (SMR) in corrective exercise?
- Increase muscle hypertrophy
- Autogenic inhibition of overactive tissue (Correct answer)
- Strengthen underactive muscles
- Improve cardiovascular endurance
Correct answer: Autogenic inhibition of overactive tissue
SMR uses autogenic inhibition via Golgi tendon organ stimulation to decrease neural drive and reduce tension in overactive muscles.
Question 4: A client's overhead squat assessment reveals an anterior pelvic tilt. Which static stretch is most appropriate to address this finding?
- Hamstring stretch
- Hip flexor stretch (Correct answer)
- Calf stretch
- Thoracic extension stretch
Correct answer: Hip flexor stretch
Tight hip flexors anteriorly tilt the pelvis; stretching them helps restore neutral pelvic alignment.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the purpose of isolated strengthening exercises in the corrective continuum?
- Fatigue the overactive muscles
- Re-educate underactive muscles in isolation (Correct answer)
- Increase cardiovascular output
- Improve flexibility of tight muscles
Correct answer: Re-educate underactive muscles in isolation
Isolated strengthening targets underactive muscles to improve their recruitment before integrating them into functional movement patterns.
Question 6: When programming corrective exercises, what should be addressed FIRST according to the NASM corrective exercise continuum?
- Integrated dynamic movement
- Isolated strengthening
- Static stretching
- Self-myofascial release (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Self-myofascial release
SMR is the first step in the corrective continuum — it inhibits overactive muscles before lengthening and strengthening can be effective.
Question 7: Which observation during an overhead squat assessment suggests overactivity of the gastrocnemius/soleus complex?
- Arms falling forward
- Excessive forward lean of torso
- Heels rising off the floor (Correct answer)
- Knees caving inward
Correct answer: Heels rising off the floor
Heel rise indicates restricted ankle dorsiflexion, commonly caused by overactivity and tightness of the gastrocnemius and soleus.
PAS Corrective Exercise Programming 2
Which phase of the OPT model is most appropriate as the starting point for a client with chronic postural dysfunction?