Pilates Client Assessment and Safety Flashcards

Before beginning a Pilates program, a new client should complete which document to screen for health risks?

Answer: PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire)

The PAR-Q screens for cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and other health conditions that may require medical clearance before exercise.

Which assessment tool is commonly used to evaluate postural alignment in a Pilates intake?

Answer: Postural plumb line analysis

A plumb line analysis examines alignment from multiple views to identify postural deviations that will guide exercise selection.

A client reports recent knee surgery. What is the instructor's most appropriate first step?

Answer: Request written medical clearance from the physician

Medical clearance ensures the instructor knows safe exercise parameters and contraindications specific to the client's surgical recovery.

What does SOAP stand for in client session documentation?

Answer: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan

SOAP notes organize client records into Subjective (client report), Objective (instructor observations), Assessment (findings), and Plan (next steps).

Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for Pilates exercise?

Answer: Acute injury with active inflammation

Acute injury with active inflammation requires rest and medical attention; exercise during this phase can worsen tissue damage.

During a functional movement screen, a Pilates instructor observes a client's knees caving inward during a squat. This suggests weakness in which area?

Answer: Hip abductors and external rotators

Knee valgus (inward collapse) during squatting typically indicates weakness in the hip abductors and external rotators, particularly the gluteus medius.