SBC Safety, Contraindications, and Injury Prevention 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which client condition is an ABSOLUTE contraindication to stability ball training?
- Mild deconditioning
- Acute herniated disc with radiculopathy (Correct answer)
- Mild hypertension controlled by medication
- Previous ankle sprain that has fully healed
Correct answer: Acute herniated disc with radiculopathy
An acute herniated disc with radiculopathy involves active nerve compression; spinal loading and unstable surface exercises can worsen the condition significantly.
Question 2: What is the maximum recommended burst weight rating for a stability ball used in a commercial fitness setting?
- 100 lbs
- 300 lbs
- 500 lbs (Correct answer)
- 1000 lbs
Correct answer: 500 lbs
Commercial-grade stability balls should have a minimum burst resistance of 500 lbs (approximately 230 kg) to ensure safety during loaded exercises.
Question 3: Anti-burst stability balls are required in professional settings primarily because:
- They are cheaper to manufacture
- They deflate slowly rather than bursting suddenly, preventing falls (Correct answer)
- They are heavier for added resistance
- They come in more colors
Correct answer: They deflate slowly rather than bursting suddenly, preventing falls
Anti-burst balls are designed to slowly deflate rather than suddenly explode if punctured, preventing clients from suddenly dropping to the ground and sustaining injuries.
Question 4: Before each client session, trainers should inspect the stability ball for:
- Color fading only
- Punctures, cuts, over-inflation, and surface wear that could compromise safety (Correct answer)
- The brand name
- Weight printed on the ball
Correct answer: Punctures, cuts, over-inflation, and surface wear that could compromise safety
Pre-session inspection for punctures, cuts, over-inflation, and surface wear is essential to ensure the ball is structurally sound and safe for client use.
Question 5: Which condition requires a physician's written clearance before beginning ANY stability ball exercises?
- A client who exercises regularly and has no health concerns
- A client with a recent history of vertebral fracture (Correct answer)
- A client who is mildly overweight
- A client over age 30
Correct answer: A client with a recent history of vertebral fracture
A history of vertebral fracture requires physician clearance because stability ball exercises impose spinal loading and instability that could risk re-fracture without medical guidance.
Question 6: Proper spotting during stability ball exercises involves the trainer being positioned to:
- Stand across the room
- Prevent the ball from rolling and catch the client if they lose balance (Correct answer)
- Time the exercise with a stopwatch
- Count repetitions only
Correct answer: Prevent the ball from rolling and catch the client if they lose balance
The spotter should be close enough to prevent the ball from rolling unexpectedly and to support the client if they begin to lose balance, especially during new or challenging exercises.
SBC Safety, Contraindications, and Injury Prevention 1
Which client condition is an ABSOLUTE contraindication to stability ball training?