SCS Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which screening tool uses single-leg squat depth, trunk lean, and knee position to assess dynamic lower extremity alignment?
- Y-Balance Test
- Star Excursion Balance Test
- Single-leg squat assessment (Correct answer)
- Tuck jump assessment
Correct answer: Single-leg squat assessment
The single-leg squat assessment evaluates dynamic knee valgus, trunk lean, and hip control, which are linked to lower extremity injury risk.
Question 2: A volleyball player develops medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints). Which training modification is the FIRST priority?
- Switch to aquatic or low-impact cross-training (Correct answer)
- Apply kinesio tape and continue full training
- Increase weekly mileage gradually
- Begin plyometric jump program
Correct answer: Switch to aquatic or low-impact cross-training
Reducing or eliminating repetitive impact loading through cross-training is the first step to allow bone and periosteum to recover from medial tibial stress syndrome.
Question 3: What is the recommended approach when a concussed athlete has been symptom-free for 24 hours and wants to return to play?
- Immediate return to full contact practice
- Begin a stepwise return-to-play protocol starting with light aerobic exercise (Correct answer)
- Skip to sport-specific drills without medical clearance
- Perform a maximal sprint test to confirm readiness
Correct answer: Begin a stepwise return-to-play protocol starting with light aerobic exercise
A graded return-to-play protocol beginning with light aerobic activity and progressing over at least 24 hours per step is required before full contact is permitted.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the concept of tissue tolerance in injury prevention?
- The maximum force a joint can produce
- The capacity of a tissue to withstand applied load without failure (Correct answer)
- An athlete's pain threshold during training
- The time needed for a muscle to recover between sessions
Correct answer: The capacity of a tissue to withstand applied load without failure
Tissue tolerance refers to a structure's ability to withstand mechanical load; injuries occur when applied load exceeds this threshold.
Question 5: An athlete is in the remodeling phase of healing (6 weeks+). Which type of exercise best promotes proper collagen fiber alignment?
- Static stretching only
- Progressive functional loading in the direction of tissue stress (Correct answer)
- Complete immobilization
- High-frequency electrical stimulation without movement
Correct answer: Progressive functional loading in the direction of tissue stress
Controlled, progressive loading aligned with normal tissue stress patterns stimulates collagen fibers to remodel along functional lines of force.
Question 6: Which hip strengthening exercise is most specific for preventing iliotibial band syndrome in runners?
- Hip flexor stretch
- Standing hip abduction with resistance band (Correct answer)
- Seated calf raise
- Supine hip extension
Correct answer: Standing hip abduction with resistance band
Hip abductor strengthening, particularly gluteus medius exercises like banded hip abduction, reduces hip drop and lateral knee stress that cause IT band syndrome.
Question 7: Which psychological factor is a recognized barrier to successful return to sport after major injury?
- High athletic identity
- Fear of re-injury (kinesiophobia) (Correct answer)
- Strong social support network
- High intrinsic motivation
Correct answer: Fear of re-injury (kinesiophobia)
Kinesiophobia (fear of re-injury) is one of the strongest psychological predictors of poor return-to-sport outcomes and must be addressed in rehabilitation.
SCS Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation 4
Which screening tool uses single-leg squat depth, trunk lean, and knee position to assess dynamic lower extremity alignment?