NASM CES EXAM COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS BANK COMPLETE
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS AND DETAILED RATIONALE
1. Which of the following is the first step in the NASM Corrective
Exercise Continuum?
A. Lengthen
B. Activate
C. Inhibit
D. Integrate
Correct Answer: C. Inhibit
Rationale: The Corrective Exercise Continuum follows a specific
sequence: Inhibit, Lengthen, Activate, and Integrate . The first step is to
inhibit, or release tension from, overactive neuromyofascial tissues
using techniques like self-myofascial release (SMR) .
2. A client performing an overhead squat assessment shows their
arms falling forward. Which muscle is most likely overactive?
A. Lower trapezius
B. Serratus anterior
C. Latissimus dorsi
D. Rotator cuff
Correct Answer: C. Latissimus dorsi
Rationale: During an overhead squat, arms falling forward indicates
overactivity of the latissimus dorsi, which internally rotates and adducts
the shoulder, pulling the arms forward. The lower trapezius and
serratus anterior are typically underactive in this compensation .
,3. What is the primary function of the local musculature system
(LMS)?
A. Produce powerful, high-force movements
B. Provide joint support and stabilization
C. Generate gross motor movements
D. Control the limbs during dynamic activities
Correct Answer: B. Provide joint support and stabilization
Rationale: The local musculature system is comprised of muscles that
are predominantly involved in joint support or stabilization, providing
segmental stability to the spine and other joints .
4. The lengthening phase of the Corrective Exercise Continuum is
designed to achieve which of the following?
A. Decrease activity of overactive tissues
B. Increase activation of underactive tissues
C. Re-train synergistic function of all muscles
D. Increase the extensibility and range of motion of tissues
Correct Answer: D. Increase the extensibility and range of motion of
tissues
Rationale: Lengthening techniques, such as static and neuromuscular
stretching, are used to increase the extensibility, length, and range of
motion of neuro-myofascial tissues in the body .
5. The Anterior Oblique Subsystem (AOS) is primarily responsible for:
A. Controlling the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex in the frontal plane
B. Providing stability in the sagittal plane during gait
C. Aiding in pelvic stability and rotation in the anterior transverse plane
D. Controlling lateral flexion and rotation of the spine
,Correct Answer: C. Aiding in pelvic stability and rotation in the
anterior transverse plane
Rationale: The AOS, consisting of the internal and external obliques and
the adductors, aids in pelvic stability and rotation in the anterior
transverse plane. It produces rotational and flexion movements and
contributes to leg swing during gait .
6. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for self-
myofascial release (SMR)?
A. Muscle soreness from a previous workout
B. Client report of moderate discomfort during rolling
C. Presence of a malignancy or open wound in the area
D. Use of a foam roller on the quadriceps
Correct Answer: C. Presence of a malignancy or open wound in the
area
Rationale: Absolute contraindications for SMR include any condition
where the pressure could be harmful, such as the presence of a
malignancy or an open wound in the area being treated .
7. During the mid-stance phase of the gait cycle, which of the
following occurs?
A. The subtalar joint pronates
B. The subtalar joint supinates, leading to external rotation of the tibia,
femur, and pelvis
C. The knee internally rotates
D. The foot becomes flexible for shock absorption
Correct Answer: B. The subtalar joint supinates, leading to external
rotation of the tibia, femur, and pelvis
Rationale: During the mid-stance phase, the subtalar joint supinates,
, which converts the foot into a rigid lever. This leads to obligatory
external rotation of the tibia, femur, and pelvis, preparing the limb for
push-off .
8. The 'Activate' phase of the Corrective Exercise Continuum is used
to:
A. Decrease activity of overactive tissues
B. Re-educate and increase activation of underactive tissues
C. Increase tissue extensibility
D. Retrain functional movement patterns
Correct Answer: B. Re-educate and increase activation of underactive
tissues
Rationale: Activation techniques are designed to re-educate and
increase the activation of underactive tissues through isolated
strengthening exercises .
9. What is the most common diagnosis for reported shoulder pain?
A. Rotator cuff tear
B. Shoulder impingement
C. Bicipital tendinopathy
D. Adhesive capsulitis
Correct Answer: B. Shoulder impingement
Rationale: Shoulder impingement is the most common diagnosis of
shoulder pain, accounting for 40-65% of reported cases. It often results
from poor scapular stabilization and weak rotator cuff muscles .
10. A client presents with a rib flare and increased lumbar lordosis.
This is a classic sign of which postural distortion?
A. Posterior pelvic tilt
B. Anterior pelvic tilt
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS AND DETAILED RATIONALE
1. Which of the following is the first step in the NASM Corrective
Exercise Continuum?
A. Lengthen
B. Activate
C. Inhibit
D. Integrate
Correct Answer: C. Inhibit
Rationale: The Corrective Exercise Continuum follows a specific
sequence: Inhibit, Lengthen, Activate, and Integrate . The first step is to
inhibit, or release tension from, overactive neuromyofascial tissues
using techniques like self-myofascial release (SMR) .
2. A client performing an overhead squat assessment shows their
arms falling forward. Which muscle is most likely overactive?
A. Lower trapezius
B. Serratus anterior
C. Latissimus dorsi
D. Rotator cuff
Correct Answer: C. Latissimus dorsi
Rationale: During an overhead squat, arms falling forward indicates
overactivity of the latissimus dorsi, which internally rotates and adducts
the shoulder, pulling the arms forward. The lower trapezius and
serratus anterior are typically underactive in this compensation .
,3. What is the primary function of the local musculature system
(LMS)?
A. Produce powerful, high-force movements
B. Provide joint support and stabilization
C. Generate gross motor movements
D. Control the limbs during dynamic activities
Correct Answer: B. Provide joint support and stabilization
Rationale: The local musculature system is comprised of muscles that
are predominantly involved in joint support or stabilization, providing
segmental stability to the spine and other joints .
4. The lengthening phase of the Corrective Exercise Continuum is
designed to achieve which of the following?
A. Decrease activity of overactive tissues
B. Increase activation of underactive tissues
C. Re-train synergistic function of all muscles
D. Increase the extensibility and range of motion of tissues
Correct Answer: D. Increase the extensibility and range of motion of
tissues
Rationale: Lengthening techniques, such as static and neuromuscular
stretching, are used to increase the extensibility, length, and range of
motion of neuro-myofascial tissues in the body .
5. The Anterior Oblique Subsystem (AOS) is primarily responsible for:
A. Controlling the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex in the frontal plane
B. Providing stability in the sagittal plane during gait
C. Aiding in pelvic stability and rotation in the anterior transverse plane
D. Controlling lateral flexion and rotation of the spine
,Correct Answer: C. Aiding in pelvic stability and rotation in the
anterior transverse plane
Rationale: The AOS, consisting of the internal and external obliques and
the adductors, aids in pelvic stability and rotation in the anterior
transverse plane. It produces rotational and flexion movements and
contributes to leg swing during gait .
6. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for self-
myofascial release (SMR)?
A. Muscle soreness from a previous workout
B. Client report of moderate discomfort during rolling
C. Presence of a malignancy or open wound in the area
D. Use of a foam roller on the quadriceps
Correct Answer: C. Presence of a malignancy or open wound in the
area
Rationale: Absolute contraindications for SMR include any condition
where the pressure could be harmful, such as the presence of a
malignancy or an open wound in the area being treated .
7. During the mid-stance phase of the gait cycle, which of the
following occurs?
A. The subtalar joint pronates
B. The subtalar joint supinates, leading to external rotation of the tibia,
femur, and pelvis
C. The knee internally rotates
D. The foot becomes flexible for shock absorption
Correct Answer: B. The subtalar joint supinates, leading to external
rotation of the tibia, femur, and pelvis
Rationale: During the mid-stance phase, the subtalar joint supinates,
, which converts the foot into a rigid lever. This leads to obligatory
external rotation of the tibia, femur, and pelvis, preparing the limb for
push-off .
8. The 'Activate' phase of the Corrective Exercise Continuum is used
to:
A. Decrease activity of overactive tissues
B. Re-educate and increase activation of underactive tissues
C. Increase tissue extensibility
D. Retrain functional movement patterns
Correct Answer: B. Re-educate and increase activation of underactive
tissues
Rationale: Activation techniques are designed to re-educate and
increase the activation of underactive tissues through isolated
strengthening exercises .
9. What is the most common diagnosis for reported shoulder pain?
A. Rotator cuff tear
B. Shoulder impingement
C. Bicipital tendinopathy
D. Adhesive capsulitis
Correct Answer: B. Shoulder impingement
Rationale: Shoulder impingement is the most common diagnosis of
shoulder pain, accounting for 40-65% of reported cases. It often results
from poor scapular stabilization and weak rotator cuff muscles .
10. A client presents with a rib flare and increased lumbar lordosis.
This is a classic sign of which postural distortion?
A. Posterior pelvic tilt
B. Anterior pelvic tilt
