NASM-CES Exam Questions

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181.

A client being treated by a physical therapist for plantar fascitis reports pain with each step while running. Which of the following best describes the mechanism that is causing this client's discomfort?

  • The plantar fascia lengthens and recoils to transfer the energy from ground reaction forces

  • The plantar fascia tears and becomes detached from the structures of the foot

  • The plantar fascia becomes rigid and lacks the extensibility required for arch support

  • The plantar fascia becomes overly flexible and lacks stability

Correct answer: The plantar fascia lengthens and recoils to transfer the energy from ground reaction forces

The plantar fascia, over time, will lengthen and recoil with each step to transfer ground reaction forces. This, over time, may lead to micro-tearing, not complete tears, of the tissue, leading to pain and inflammation. 

The plantar fascia may lack extensibility, leading to discomfort, but will not become completely rigid or overly flexible.

182.

During a movement assessment, a client presents with significant anterior pelvic tilt. Which of the following muscles would most likely benefit from a stretching routine?

  • Rectus femoris

  • External obliques

  • Hamstrings

  • Rectus abdominus 

Correct answer: Rectus femoris

The following muscles are likely overactive/shortened in clients with an anterior pelvic tilt and would most likely benefit from stretching: 

  • Adductor complex
  • Latissumus dorsi
  • Psoas
  • Rectus femoris
  • Spinal extensor complex
  • Tensor fascia latae

183.

An older client with mobility issues is looking to add a stretching program to his home routine. Which of the following stretches for the gastrocnemius would be most appropriate for this client?

  • A gentle wall calf stretch with a slight knee bend for support

  • A single-leg downward dog stretch to target the calves

  • A seated calf stretch with the legs extended and feet flexed

  • Supine with the knees extended and feet flexed

Correct answer: A gentle wall calf stretch with a slight knee bend for support

A gentle wall calf stretch with a slight knee bend provides support, stability, and a reduced risk of overstretching. The slight knee bend allows the client to control the intensity of the stretch and is well-suited for individuals with mobility issues due to the wall support.

A single-leg downward dog is generally a more advanced and dynamic stretch. It may not be the most appropriate choice for an older client with mobility issues, as it requires a certain level of balance and flexibility that may be challenging for them.

A seated calf stretch may be less intense than a more intense option, but it may still be challenging for an older client with mobility issues, as it requires adequate flexibility and range of motion in the legs.

A supine position may be challenging for a client with mobility issues to perform at home on their own. Getting on and off of the ground is a common complaint among older clients with reported mobility issues.

184.

A Corrective Exercise Specialist discusses the benefits of static stretching with a prospective client. Which of the following options is not characteristic of static stretching?

  • Controlled movement through the full range of motion

  • Elongation of muscle and myofascial tissue to end-range and holding that position

  • Maximal control of the structural alignment

  • Minimal acceleration into and out of the stretch position

Correct answer: Controlled movement through the full range of motion

Controlled movement through the full range of motion is characteristic of dynamic stretching, not static stretching. 

In practice, static stretching is characterized by the following:

  • Elongation of muscle and myofascial tissue to an end range and holding that position for a period of time 
  • Maximal control of the structural alignment
  • Minimal acceleration into and out of the elongated position

185.

The client assessment process stands as a key component within the sequence of a Corrective Exercise Specialist. Which of the following is not a valid rationale for conducting a standard assessment of every client?

  • An assessment can be a valuable learning opportunity for the client.

  • Assessments provide information about the client's functional status and movement patterns.

  • An assessment can become the client's entire first workout.

  • A movement assessment can be used for promotional purposes to build a client base.

Correct answer: An assessment can be a valuable learning opportunity for the client.

While the assessment process is a valuable learning opportunity for the fitness professional to collect data on movement patterns and postural impairments, it is not the place to educate a client during a session.

The assessment process can be used as the entire first workout, as well as a promotional tool in building a client base. 

186.

A client is about to undergo knee surgery next week and will return to training once cleared by their physical therapist. Which of the following options best describes how surgery will have an impact on their movement patterns?

  • Surgery may temporarily cause muscle atrophy in the affected knee, potentially leading to altered movement patterns as the client adapts.

  • Surgery will have no significant impact on the client's movement patterns; they will be able to resume training as before because their physical therapist will clear them. 

  • Surgery will permanently improve the client's movement patterns due to the intervention of a skilled surgeon.

  • Surgery may result in immediate and complete loss of all movement in the affected knee, leading to significant changes in movement patterns.

Correct answer: Surgery may temporarily cause muscle atrophy in the affected knee, potentially leading to altered movement patterns as the client adapts.

Surgery itself can lead to a period of immobilization and reduced use of the affected knee. Muscle atrophy and the temporary limitations in the range of motion in the affected knee can result in altered movement patterns. The client may compensate for the muscle weakness and limited knee function by adjusting the way they move.

Once the client is cleared for exercise, it does not necessarily mean that they are back to normal function and strength. Surgery doesn't necessarily guarantee permanent improvement in movement patterns. Knee surgery is intended to address specific issues and improve joint function, and the complete loss of all movement in the affected knee is not a common or expected outcome.

187.

A client has a history of ankle injuries and is currently undergoing physical therapy treatment. Many studies have confirmed that what body region in which planes of motion are vital for control of the ankle?

  • Hip: Transverse and frontal planes

  • Hip: Sagittal and frontal planes

  • Knee: Transverse and frontal planes

  • Knee: Sagittal and frontal planes

Correct answer: Hip: Transverse and frontal planes

Studies have confirmed that control of the hip is vital for maintaining control of the ankle. Proximal factors such as the hip, in the frontal and transverse planes, have been found to contribute to altered lower extremity alignment, leading to increased foot pronation. This would suggest that the hip is a vital component in ankle control. 

188.

A client recently suffered an injury to the axillary nerve. Which of the following exercises would you expect the client to have the least amount of difficulty performing?

  • Bench press

  • Overhead shoulder press

  • Upright rows

  • Dumbbell lateral raises

Correct answer: Bench press

The bench press primarily targets the pectoral (chest) muscles and triceps. Though the deltoids may be affected by an injury to the axillary nerve, the pectoral muscles and triceps would likely be able to assist with this exercise and be the least difficult given the other scenarios. The pectoral muscles are innervated by the pectoral nerves, and the triceps are innervated by the radial nerves. 

Dumbbell lateral raises, overhead shoulder presses, and upright rows directly target the deltoid muscles, which are innervated by the axillary nerve. An injury to the axillary nerve could significantly affect the client's ability to perform these exercises. Since the deltoid is typically the prime mover for these movements, we expect the client to have the greatest difficulty with these exercises.

189.

A desk worker is being assessed at his first session with a fitness trainer. Which of the following environmental factors would most likely lead to altered movement patterns? 

  • The desk height is set below a standard height

  • An oversized computer monitor for a desk worker is too bright

  • Using an old wooden desk chair

  • The desk is positioned next to a window

Correct answer: The desk height is set below a standard height

The most likely environmental factors that will influence movement patterns are factors that affect static posture. In this case, a desk height that is set too low will force the client to lean forward and likely slouch for long periods of time, leading to chronic suboptimal postures and altered movement patterns. 

An oversized, bright, computer screen may strain the eyes, but not affect posture. While a wooden chair may be uncomfortable, it is not indicated that it is affecting this client's posture. A desk position is not indicative of chronic postures and movement patterns. 

190.

A fitness professional is working with a new client who has a pre-existing medical condition. The client experienced a sensation in their chest and back while performing a moderate-intensity exercise. The fitness professional is unsure about the cause of this sensation. 

What is the best course of action for the fitness professional in this situation?

  • Stop the exercise immediately, assess the severity of the discomfort, and refer the client out to their primary medical provider

  • Encourage the client to push through the discomfort and continue the exercise while closely monitoring their heart rate

  • Modify the exercise to a lower intensity and continue the session

  • Refer the client to a yoga or mindfulness session to help them relax and reduce stress levels

Correct answer: Stop the exercise immediately, assess the severity of the discomfort, and refer the client out to their primary medical provider

As standard practice, when in doubt, to prevent ethical and legal mistakes, the fitness professional should refer out to their professional network of medical professionals. In this scenario, it allows the fitness professional to gather more information and make an informed decision about the client's well-being.

Encouraging the client to continue the exercise without further assessment can be dangerous. The unusual sensation in the chest should be addressed with more urgency and care, considering potential medical implications, rather than referring to yoga or providing additional modifications.

191.

A client demonstrates impairments associated with a muscle that influences the lumbopelvic hip complex. Which of the following muscles would least likely be the culprit in this scenario?

  • Pectoralis major

  • Latissimus dorsi

  • Gastrocnemius 

  • Tensor fascia latae

Correct answer: Pectoralis major

The key muscles associated with the lumbopelvic hip complex include

  • Abdominal core complex
  • Adductor complex
  • Erector spinae
  • Gastrocnemius/soleus
  • Gluteus maximus and medius 
  • Hamstrings complex
  • Hip flexors
  • Intrinsic core stabilizers
  • Latissimus dorsi
  • Tensor fascia latae

192.

A client is attempting to perform a biceps femoris stretch. Which of the following options would best target this muscle?

  • Supine with the knee extended and leg pulled up toward the head and crossing the midline 

  • Standing with the arm outstretched and elbow straightened

  • Standing with the leg outstretched behind the body and knee extended

  • Supine with the knee bent and hip flexed as high as possible

Correct answer: Supine with the knee extended and leg pulled up toward the head and crossing the midline

The biceps femoris is a muscle located behind the thigh as a key component of the "hamstrings." In order to fully stretch this muscle, crossing the midline will improve the stretch as the muscle is located more laterally on the limb. 

Standing with the arm outstretched is incorrect, as this is a muscle located in the back of the leg. Standing with the leg outstretched behind the body will not correctly stretch the back of the leg. Supine with the knees bent will not stretch the biceps femoris as it functions to flex the knee. In contrast, straightening the knee will stretch this muscle more thoroughly. 

193.

Which of the following scenarios best describes the application of the Regional Interdependence model as it relates to static postural assessment?

  • The fitness professional notices flat arches and how this relates to knee and hip internal rotation

  • The fitness professional assesses a client's posture and notices tight hip flexors and programs hip flexor stretches

  • The fitness professional evaluates a client's dynamic movements and applies the findings to the static postural assessment

  • The fitness professional learns that the client sits for 10 hours a day and prescribes stretches to combat their pain

Correct answer: The fitness professional notices flat arches and how this relates to knee and hip internal rotation

This scenario is the best application of the Regional Interdependence model by recognizing the connections between the feet (flat arches), knees, and hips, demonstrating an interdependent view of the musculoskeletal system during static postural assessment.

Directly addressing observations of tight hip flexors does not also take into account the adjacent body regions and how they may also be affected. Observing dynamic posture should be performed after, not before, the static postural assessment. Applying knowledge of lifestyle implications such as sitting for 10 hours a day is not an example of the Regional Interdependence model during a static postural assessment.

194.

According to the common postural types suggested by Florence Kendall, which of the following options would be underactive and lengthened if a client presents with overactive and shortened cervical extensors?

  • Deep cervical flexors

  • Upper trapezius

  • Lateral cervical flexors

  • Serratus posterior

Correct answer: Deep cervical flexors

Deep cervical flexors are muscles located deep within the neck that play a crucial role in neck flexion and maintaining proper neck posture. When the cervical extensors are overactive and shortened, it often indicates an imbalance where the deep cervical flexors may be underactive and lengthened.

195.

A client's ankle moves into dorsiflexion as part of a comprehensive mobility assessment. Which of the following statements correctly describes the movement at the ankle?

  • Dorsiflexion is associated with ankle abduction

  • Dorsiflexion is associated with ankle adduction

  • Dorsiflexion occurs strictly in the sagittal plane

  • Dorsiflexion is associated with ankle torsion

Correct answer: Dorsiflexion is associated with ankle abduction

Motion at the ankle is coupled with a small transverse plane movement. In the case of ankle dorsiflexion, it is associated with ankle abduction (toes moving away from the midline of the foot). 

Plantarflexion is associated with ankle adduction. 

196.

A client performing a loaded squat assessment receives few, but specific, cues from the Corrective Exercise Specialist throughout the movement. Which of the following would not be an appropriate cue for this assessment?

  • Maintain upright posture with neutral spine

  • Squat until your thighs are parallel with the floor 

  • Perform 15 repetitions

  • Perform the squats at a medium tempo

Correct answer: Maintain upright posture with neutral spine

The goal of the loaded squat assessment is to observe the client's natural postural tendencies while under load. Cueing too much posture and body positioning may impact their performance and not be a true testament to their postural tendencies. 

Cues that relate to the tempo, number of repetitions, and depth of the squat are appropriate for the standardization of this assessment exercise. 

197.

A client is instructed to lift his toes off of the ground and toward his midline while keeping the heel on the floor. Which of the following best categorizes the innervation of this muscle and insertion? 

  • Innervation: Peroneal nerve; Insertion: Medial cuneiform

  • Innervation: Tibial nerve; Insertion: Lateral calcaneus

  • Innervation: Femoral nerve; Insertion: Patella

  • Innervation: Radial nerve; Insertion: Medial ulna

Correct answer: Innervation: Peroneal nerve; Insertion: Medial cuneiform

The anterior tibialis muscle performs the described action: dorsiflexion and inversion. It is innervated by the deep fibular (more commonly known as the peroneal nerve) and inserts into the medial and plantar aspects of the medial cuneiform and the base of the first metatarsal. 

The tibial nerve is located more proximally than the peroneal nerve and does not innervate the anterior tibialis muscle. The femoral nerve innervates the anterior aspect of the thigh, which includes muscle groups such as the quadriceps. The radial nerve is in the dorsal side of your arm and innervates muscle groups such as the triceps.

198.

A client is traveling the country for the next several weeks and would still like to continue their program using a myofascial roller with the help of their Corrective Exercise Specialist. Which of the following statements regarding virtual instruction is true?

  • Virtual instruction provides the flexibility for the client to maintain their program while traveling.

  • Virtual instruction is always more cost-effective than in-person training sessions.

  • Virtual instruction is not as safe as in-person training due to the lack of immediate supervision.

  • Virtual instruction is outside the scope of the Corrective Exercise Specialist,

Correct answer: Virtual instruction provides the flexibility for the client to maintain their program while traveling.

According to recent research, when compared to live coaching, virtual instruction continues to prove similar results. In this scenario, it is appropriate to postulate that virtual instruction will allow the client to maintain their program while traveling. 

The cost-effectiveness of virtual instruction varies and depends on many factors. It is not always more cost-effective than in-person training. The safety of virtual instruction depends on the program, the client's experience, and the trainer's guidance. It is not inherently less safe, but may require adjustments to ensure safety. Virtual instruction in the use of a myofascial roller is within the scope of the Corrective Exercise Specialist.

199.

A client with tight and overactive soleus and gastrocnemius muscles bilaterally performs a movement assessment during his first session with a Corrective Exercise Specialist. Which of the following would you most likely expect to observe from the overhead squat test?

  • Heel rise

  • Knee valgus

  • Feet turn out

  • Excessive pronation

Correct answer: Heel rise

During an overhead squat, the ankle needs to dorsiflex to allow the body to move towards the floor. Tightness in the soleus and gastrocnemius would limit the amount of dorsiflexion of the ankle. As a result, the heels will rise off of the ground during the movement. 

The other options, knee valgus, feet turning out, and pronation, are possible compensatory movements; however, the most direct observation would be heel rise due to the restrictions in range of motion. 

200.

A client presenting with observed knee dysfunction but no pain is found to have weak hip external rotators. Which of the following would you most likely expect to be observed during the movement screen and found during the mobility assessment?

  • Femoral internal rotation, overactive adductor complex

  • Femoral external rotation, overactive vastus lateralis 

  • Tibial internal rotation, overactive gluteus medius

  • Tibial external rotation, overactive tensor fasciae latae

Correct answer: Femoral internal rotation, overactive adductor complex

Weakness of the hip external rotators, such as the gluteus medius and maximus, can cause overactivation of the tensor fasciae latae, adductor complex, vastus lateralis, and gastrocnemius muscles. 

Tibial rotation is potentially indirectly occurring as a result of the femoral rotation; however; is not recorded to be an effect of weak hip external rotators.