NASM-CPT Special Populations and Flexibility Training 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When training an older adult (65+), which of the following exercise adaptations is MOST important per NASM guidelines?
- Maximizing heavy compound lifts first
- Emphasizing balance, mobility, and fall-prevention training (Correct answer)
- Prioritizing high-intensity intervals
- Avoiding resistance training entirely
Correct answer: Emphasizing balance, mobility, and fall-prevention training
For older adults, NASM emphasizes balance, proprioception, and functional mobility training to reduce fall risk and maintain independence.
Question 2: Autogenic inhibition, used in self-myofascial release (foam rolling), works primarily by:
- Stretching the muscle spindle
- Activating the GTO to relax the target muscle (Correct answer)
- Increasing joint capsule stiffness
- Stimulating the sympathetic nervous system
Correct answer: Activating the GTO to relax the target muscle
Sustained pressure on the muscle during foam rolling activates the GTO, causing autogenic inhibition—a reflexive relaxation of the target muscle.
Question 3: Which type of stretching involves moving a limb through its full range of motion in a controlled manner?
- Static stretching
- Ballistic stretching
- Dynamic stretching (Correct answer)
- PNF stretching
Correct answer: Dynamic stretching
Dynamic stretching uses controlled, active movements to take joints through their full range of motion, increasing tissue temperature and neuromuscular readiness.
Question 4: For a pregnant client in the second trimester, which exercise position should generally be AVOIDED?
- Seated
- Standing
- Side-lying
- Supine (lying on back) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Supine (lying on back)
The supine position after the first trimester can compress the vena cava, reducing venous return and potentially causing supine hypotensive syndrome.
Question 5: Static stretching is BEST performed during which part of the workout to improve flexibility?
- Before any warm-up
- Immediately after intense resistance training sets
- After exercise, during the cool-down phase (Correct answer)
- During maximum-effort lifts
Correct answer: After exercise, during the cool-down phase
Static stretching is most effective and safest during the cool-down when muscles are warm and pliable, and it does not impair performance as it might pre-exercise.
Question 6: A client with type 2 diabetes should be monitored for which primary concern during exercise?
- Hypertension spikes
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) (Correct answer)
- Decreased bone density
- Increased resting heart rate
Correct answer: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Exercise increases glucose uptake by muscles, which can cause hypoglycemia, especially if the client is taking insulin or other glucose-lowering medications.
NASM-CPT Special Populations and Flexibility Training 1
When training an older adult (65+), which of the following exercise adaptations is MOST important per NASM guidelines?