CATA (CERTIFIED ATHLETIC THERAPIST
ASSOCIATION) CERTIFICATION EXAM
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & 100% ACCURATE
ANSWERS | COMPLETELY UPDATED 2025–2026
EDITION A+ PERFORMANCE GUARANTEED
These are modeled after the clinical and applied sciences focus areas of the
CATA exam: anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, injury assessment,
rehabilitation, emergency care, therapeutic modalities, and professional
practice.
1. Which of the following muscles is primarily responsible for shoulder
abduction?
A. Latissimus dorsi
B. Pectoralis major
C. Deltoid
D. Supraspinatus
E. Infraspinatus
- ANSWER: C. Deltoid
2. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prevents which of the following
motions at the knee?
A. Varus stress
B. Valgus stress
C. Anterior translation of the tibia
D. Posterior translation of the tibia
E. Internal rotation of the tibia
- ANSWER: C. Anterior translation of the tibia
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3. A positive Lachman’s test indicates injury to which structure?
A. Posterior cruciate ligament
B. Anterior cruciate ligament
C. Medial meniscus
D. Lateral collateral ligament
E. Popliteus tendon
- ANSWER: B. Anterior cruciate ligament
4. Which energy system provides the majority of ATP for activities lasting less
than 10 seconds?
A. Glycolytic (anaerobic)
B. Oxidative (aerobic)
C. Phosphagen (ATP-PC)
D. Beta-oxidation
E. Krebs cycle
- ANSWER: C. Phosphagen (ATP-PC)
5. The most effective way to prevent heat illness during preseason football
training is:
A. Increase fluid intake during games only
B. Acclimatize athletes gradually to heat
C. Provide high-protein diets
D. Limit carbohydrate intake
E. Encourage heavy clothing during warm-up
- ANSWER: B. Acclimatize athletes gradually to heat
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6. Which of the following is the best indicator of cardiac function during
exercise?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Heart rate
C. Stroke volume
D. Cardiac output
E. Blood pressure
- ANSWER: D. Cardiac output
7. An athlete lands awkwardly and inverts the ankle. The most commonly
injured ligament is:
A. Deltoid ligament
B. Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)
C. Posterior talofibular ligament
D. Calcaneofibular ligament
E. Tibiofibular ligament
- ANSWER: B. Anterior talofibular ligament
8. A positive Hawkins-Kennedy test indicates:
A. Biceps tendinopathy
B. Subacromial impingement
C. Rotator cuff tear
D. AC joint separation
E. Glenohumeral instability
- ANSWER: B. Subacromial impingement
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9. Which of the following represents a second-degree (grade II) ligament
sprain?
A. Microscopic tearing of fibers
B. Complete rupture
C. Partial tearing with moderate laxity
D. Mild swelling with no instability
E. Joint subluxation
- ANSWER: C. Partial tearing with moderate laxity
10. The SA node (sinoatrial node) is located in which part of the heart?
A. Left atrium
B. Right atrium
C. Left ventricle
D. Right ventricle
E. Interventricular septum
- ANSWER: B. Right atrium
11. Which nerve root corresponds to the patellar reflex?
A. L2
B. L3
C. L4
D. L5
E. S1
- ANSWER: C. L4