YMCA Client Assessment & Programming 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When conducting a postural assessment for a new yoga client, which landmark misalignment most commonly indicates anterior pelvic tilt?
- Elevated shoulder on the dominant side
- ASIS positioned anterior to the PSIS (Correct answer)
- Increased thoracic kyphosis
- Lateral deviation of the spine
Correct answer: ASIS positioned anterior to the PSIS
Anterior pelvic tilt is identified when the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) sits anterior and inferior to the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), often causing lumbar hyperlordosis.
Question 2: A client reports intermittent tingling in the fingers during overhead yoga poses. Which assessment finding would most warrant physician referral before continuing practice?
- Mild shoulder tightness on passive range of motion
- Positive Adson's test suggesting thoracic outlet involvement (Correct answer)
- Reduced hip flexor flexibility
- Tight hamstrings limiting forward fold depth
Correct answer: Positive Adson's test suggesting thoracic outlet involvement
A positive Adson's test can indicate thoracic outlet syndrome, a neurovascular condition requiring medical clearance before yoga instruction continues.
Question 3: Which PAR-Q response would automatically require written physician clearance before a client begins a yoga program?
- Client experiences mild post-workout muscle soreness
- Client reports dizziness when rising from bed in the morning
- Client has been told by a doctor that their heart condition means yoga is the only physical activity recommended (Correct answer)
- Client mentions occasional lower back stiffness after sitting
Correct answer: Client has been told by a doctor that their heart condition means yoga is the only physical activity recommended
Any 'yes' answer on the PAR-Q indicating a physician has restricted physical activity due to a heart or other serious condition requires written medical clearance.
Question 4: In designing a yoga program for a client recovering from a rotator cuff repair (cleared for exercise by their physician), which modification is most appropriate for Chaturanga Dandasana?
- Skip the pose entirely for the first six months
- Replace with Knees-Chest-Chin (Ashtanga Namaskara) to reduce shoulder load (Correct answer)
- Increase external rotation demand to strengthen the repair
- Perform the full pose but reduce the number of repetitions
Correct answer: Replace with Knees-Chest-Chin (Ashtanga Namaskara) to reduce shoulder load
Knees-Chest-Chin significantly reduces the eccentric load on the rotator cuff compared to Chaturanga, making it a safer alternative during early return-to-practice.
Question 5: A 62-year-old client with osteoporosis wants to join a yoga class. Which type of spinal movement should be approached with the greatest caution?
- Gentle thoracic extension over a bolster
- Deep spinal flexion under load (e.g., weighted forward folds) (Correct answer)
- Supported backbends in prone position
- Lateral stretches in a seated position
Correct answer: Deep spinal flexion under load (e.g., weighted forward folds)
Deep spinal flexion under load dramatically increases compressive forces on the vertebral bodies, raising fracture risk in clients with osteoporosis.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of including a movement screen (such as observing a squat or forward fold) during an initial client assessment?
- To establish rapport with the client
- To identify movement compensations that inform program design (Correct answer)
- To determine the client's VO2 max
- To assess cardiovascular readiness for yoga
Correct answer: To identify movement compensations that inform program design
Movement screens reveal compensatory patterns and mobility restrictions that help the instructor select appropriate poses and modifications for the individual client.
Question 7: A client's health history reveals they take warfarin (a blood thinner). Which yoga practice consideration is most relevant for their program?
- Avoid all inversion poses due to increased bleeding risk from falls (Correct answer)
- Limit session duration to under 20 minutes
- Eliminate all standing balances
- Focus exclusively on pranayama and meditation
Correct answer: Avoid all inversion poses due to increased bleeding risk from falls
Clients on anticoagulants face significantly higher bleeding consequences from falls, making full inversions (headstand, shoulderstand) and poses with high fall risk candidates for modification or avoidance.
YMCA Client Assessment & Programming 2
When conducting a postural assessment for a new yoga client, which landmark misalignment most commonly indicates anterior pelvic tilt?