SBC Safety, Contraindications, and Injury Prevention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following exercises on the stability ball carries the HIGHEST risk for a deconditioned older adult?
- Seated ball bouncing
- Prone plank hold on the ball
- Single-leg balance squat on the ball (Correct answer)
- Supine bridge on the ball
Correct answer: Single-leg balance squat on the ball
A single-leg squat on the stability ball demands high levels of balance, hip strength, and proprioception — challenges that present significant fall risk for deconditioned older adults.
Question 2: When is it appropriate to use the stability ball in a chair function (replacing an office chair)?
- Never — it is always unsafe
- Briefly and with proper guidance, as prolonged use without core endurance can increase fatigue and low back pain (Correct answer)
- Only for clients under 20 years old
- At all times to replace all seating
Correct answer: Briefly and with proper guidance, as prolonged use without core endurance can increase fatigue and low back pain
Brief use of a stability ball as a chair can promote active sitting, but prolonged use without adequate core endurance leads to fatigue and potential low back discomfort.
Question 3: A trainer notices the stability ball is noticeably under-inflated before a session. The BEST response is to:
- Use it anyway — softer is safer
- Inflate it to the appropriate size before the session begins (Correct answer)
- Discard it permanently
- Use a flat mat instead without informing the client
Correct answer: Inflate it to the appropriate size before the session begins
An under-inflated ball alters the intended mechanics and surface, so it must be properly inflated to the correct size before use to ensure the exercise performs as designed.
Question 4: Which of the following describes the proper response if a client reports dizziness while seated on the stability ball?
- Tell them to push through it
- Immediately assist the client off the ball to a stable surface and assess the cause (Correct answer)
- Increase exercise intensity
- Have them close their eyes to reduce dizziness
Correct answer: Immediately assist the client off the ball to a stable surface and assess the cause
Dizziness is a warning sign that requires stopping exercise immediately and safely moving the client to a stable surface before assessing the cause and deciding on next steps.
Question 5: What is the minimum clear floor space recommended around a stability ball during exercise to allow safe dismount and spotter access?
- 6 inches on all sides
- At least 2–3 feet on all sides (Correct answer)
- The ball only needs space at the front
- Space is only needed behind the client
Correct answer: At least 2–3 feet on all sides
At least 2–3 feet of clear space on all sides of the stability ball allows safe dismounting, trainer spotting access, and room for the ball to roll without striking obstacles.
Question 6: Which injury mechanism is MOST associated with improper ball size during stability ball prone exercises?
- Shoulder impingement
- Lumbar hyperextension from an over-inflated or too-large ball (Correct answer)
- Wrist sprain
- Ankle inversion sprain
Correct answer: Lumbar hyperextension from an over-inflated or too-large ball
A ball that is too large or over-inflated places the lumbar spine in excessive hyperextension during prone exercises like back extensions, increasing spinal injury risk.
SBC Safety, Contraindications, and Injury Prevention 2
Which of the following exercises on the stability ball carries the HIGHEST risk for a deconditioned older adult?