PAS Muscle Imbalance Correction 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which muscle is most commonly overactive and tight in clients with anterior pelvic tilt?
- Gluteus maximus
- Hip flexors (iliopsoas) (Correct answer)
- Hamstrings
- Tibialis anterior
Correct answer: Hip flexors (iliopsoas)
The iliopsoas is typically overactive and shortened in anterior pelvic tilt, pulling the pelvis forward.
Question 2: A client presents with elevated and protracted shoulder girdle. Which muscle is most likely underactive?
- Upper trapezius
- Levator scapulae
- Lower trapezius (Correct answer)
- Pectoralis minor
Correct answer: Lower trapezius
The lower trapezius is commonly underactive in clients with elevated and protracted shoulders, failing to depress and retract the scapula.
Question 3: In the NASM Corrective Exercise Continuum, what is the correct sequence of steps?
- Activate, Lengthen, Integrate, Inhibit
- Inhibit, Lengthen, Activate, Integrate (Correct answer)
- Lengthen, Inhibit, Integrate, Activate
- Integrate, Inhibit, Activate, Lengthen
Correct answer: Inhibit, Lengthen, Activate, Integrate
The NASM CEx Continuum follows the order: Inhibit (release overactive tissue), Lengthen (stretch), Activate (strengthen underactive), Integrate (movement pattern).
Question 4: Which assessment finding would indicate overactivity of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex?
- Excessive forward lean during overhead squat
- Knee valgus during overhead squat
- Heels rise during overhead squat (Correct answer)
- Arms fall forward during overhead squat
Correct answer: Heels rise during overhead squat
Heels rising during the overhead squat assessment indicates overactive and shortened gastrocnemius-soleus, limiting ankle dorsiflexion.
Question 5: A PAS specialist uses self-myofascial release (SMR) on the TFL. What postural dysfunction is this most likely addressing?
- Forward head posture
- Knee valgus (Correct answer)
- Excessive lumbar lordosis
- Thoracic kyphosis
Correct answer: Knee valgus
The TFL is commonly overactive in knee valgus patterns, contributing to internal hip rotation and adduction that collapses the knee inward.
Question 6: Which muscle pair demonstrates a classic agonist-antagonist imbalance in lower crossed syndrome?
- Rectus femoris and hamstrings
- Psoas and gluteus maximus (Correct answer)
- Adductors and abductors
- Gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior
Correct answer: Psoas and gluteus maximus
In lower crossed syndrome, the psoas is overactive/tight while the gluteus maximus is underactive/weak, creating anterior pelvic tilt.
Question 7: A client has forward head posture. Which muscle is most likely underactive and needs strengthening?
- Sternocleidomastoid
- Upper trapezius
- Deep cervical flexors (Correct answer)
- Levator scapulae
Correct answer: Deep cervical flexors
Deep cervical flexors are typically underactive in forward head posture, while superficial neck flexors and extensors become overactive.
PAS Muscle Imbalance Correction 2
Which muscle is most commonly overactive and tight in clients with anterior pelvic tilt?