Test Bank For Sports Medicine and the Pelvic Floor Science to Practice
1st Edition
Editor: Gráinne M. Donnelly
,Chapter 1: The Pelvic Floor Is Sports Medicine Author: Gráinne M.
Donnelly
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Which statement best describes why the pelvic floor is relevant to sports medicine?
A. It is involved only in reproductive function. B. It contributes to continence, pelvic organ
support, and pressure management during physical activity. C. It functions independently
of the trunk and lower limbs. D. It is primarily responsible for producing movement at the
hip.
Answer: B Explanation: The pelvic floor contributes to several functions that are important
during exercise and sport, including continence, support, and coordination with changes in
intra-abdominal pressure.
2. Which group of muscles forms the primary muscular component of the pelvic floor?
A. Gluteus maximus and gluteus medius B. Rectus abdominis and external oblique C.
Levator ani and coccygeus D. Iliopsoas and piriformis
Answer: C Explanation: The levator ani and coccygeus are the principal muscles of the
pelvic floor. They form a muscular support system at the base of the pelvis.
3. What is the most appropriate description of pelvic floor muscle function during a cough
or jump?
A. The muscles must remain completely relaxed. B. The muscles may respond to
increased pressure through coordinated activation and support. C. The muscles should
contract maximally throughout the entire activity. D. The muscles are not involved because
the diaphragm controls all pressure changes.
Answer: B Explanation: Pelvic floor function involves coordinated responses to pressure
changes. The appropriate response depends on the task, timing, and individual’s needs
rather than constant maximal contraction.
4. Which of the following is a recognized function of the pelvic floor?
A. Producing knee extension B. Maintaining pelvic organ support C. Controlling shoulder
rotation D. Generating ankle plantarflexion
,Answer: B Explanation: Pelvic organ support is one of the important roles of the pelvic
floor, alongside continence and contributions to pressure management and sexual
function.
5. A runner reports urine leakage only during sprinting. Which interpretation is most
appropriate?
A. The symptom is unrelated to exercise because the runner is young. B. The symptom may
represent a pelvic floor dysfunction associated with physical activity. C. The symptom
proves that the runner has a urinary tract infection. D. The symptom means the runner
should permanently stop all exercise.
Answer: B Explanation: Exercise-associated leakage can be a relevant pelvic floor
symptom. It warrants appropriate assessment rather than dismissal based on age or
fitness.
6. Which principle best reflects a sports medicine approach to pelvic floor symptoms?
A. Symptoms should be ignored unless they prevent participation. B. All athletes should
receive identical pelvic floor exercises. C. Assessment should consider the individual, the
activity, and the functional demands of sport. D. Pelvic floor rehabilitation is appropriate
only after surgery.
Answer: C Explanation: Sports medicine emphasizes individualized assessment and
management. Pelvic floor symptoms should be considered in relation to the athlete’s
sport, goals, and functional demands.
7. The pelvic floor is often described as part of the body’s pressure-management system.
Which structure works closely with it in this system?
A. Diaphragm B. Patella C. Scapula D. Achilles tendon
Answer: A Explanation: The diaphragm and pelvic floor are involved in coordinated
pressure changes within the trunk. Their interaction is relevant to breathing, lifting, and
athletic movement.
8. Which statement best describes the relationship between the pelvic floor and the
abdominal muscles?
A. They have no functional relationship. B. They may coordinate during movement and
changes in intra-abdominal pressure. C. The abdominal muscles always inhibit the pelvic
floor. D. The pelvic floor replaces the need for abdominal muscle activity.
, Answer: B Explanation: The pelvic floor and abdominal muscles can work together as part
of the trunk’s pressure and stability system. Their coordination varies with the task.
9. A patient with pelvic floor symptoms is hesitant to disclose them because they believe
such symptoms are “normal” in sport. What is the best clinical response?
A. Reassure the patient that symptoms are always harmless. B. Explain that symptoms can
occur in athletes but should be assessed and managed appropriately. C. Tell the patient to
avoid discussing the symptoms further. D. Recommend maximal pelvic floor strengthening
without assessment.
Answer: B Explanation: Symptoms may be common in some sporting populations, but they
should not automatically be accepted as unavoidable or left untreated. Sensitive,
informed assessment is important.
10. Which of the following best illustrates the pelvic floor’s role in continence?
A. It helps regulate the opening and closing of the urethral and anal sphincters. B. It
produces urine in the kidneys. C. It controls the movement of the intestines through the
abdomen. D. It prevents all changes in bladder pressure.
Answer: A Explanation: Continence depends on coordinated function of the pelvic floor
and sphincter mechanisms. The pelvic floor contributes to maintaining closure and
responding to pressure changes.
11. Why is pelvic floor assessment relevant to an athlete’s quality of life?
A. Pelvic floor symptoms can affect confidence, participation, and daily activities. B. Pelvic
floor symptoms affect only elite athletes. C. Quality of life is unrelated to physical
symptoms. D. Pelvic floor assessment is only relevant for athletes preparing for
competition.
Answer: A Explanation: Pelvic floor symptoms may influence physical activity, confidence,
and everyday function. Sports medicine should consider these effects when planning care.
12. Which statement best distinguishes pelvic floor strength from pelvic floor function?
A. Strength and function are identical. B. Strength refers only to endurance, while function
refers only to flexibility. C. Strength is one component of function, which also includes
coordination, timing, and the ability to relax. D. Function is determined solely by muscle
size.
1st Edition
Editor: Gráinne M. Donnelly
,Chapter 1: The Pelvic Floor Is Sports Medicine Author: Gráinne M.
Donnelly
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Which statement best describes why the pelvic floor is relevant to sports medicine?
A. It is involved only in reproductive function. B. It contributes to continence, pelvic organ
support, and pressure management during physical activity. C. It functions independently
of the trunk and lower limbs. D. It is primarily responsible for producing movement at the
hip.
Answer: B Explanation: The pelvic floor contributes to several functions that are important
during exercise and sport, including continence, support, and coordination with changes in
intra-abdominal pressure.
2. Which group of muscles forms the primary muscular component of the pelvic floor?
A. Gluteus maximus and gluteus medius B. Rectus abdominis and external oblique C.
Levator ani and coccygeus D. Iliopsoas and piriformis
Answer: C Explanation: The levator ani and coccygeus are the principal muscles of the
pelvic floor. They form a muscular support system at the base of the pelvis.
3. What is the most appropriate description of pelvic floor muscle function during a cough
or jump?
A. The muscles must remain completely relaxed. B. The muscles may respond to
increased pressure through coordinated activation and support. C. The muscles should
contract maximally throughout the entire activity. D. The muscles are not involved because
the diaphragm controls all pressure changes.
Answer: B Explanation: Pelvic floor function involves coordinated responses to pressure
changes. The appropriate response depends on the task, timing, and individual’s needs
rather than constant maximal contraction.
4. Which of the following is a recognized function of the pelvic floor?
A. Producing knee extension B. Maintaining pelvic organ support C. Controlling shoulder
rotation D. Generating ankle plantarflexion
,Answer: B Explanation: Pelvic organ support is one of the important roles of the pelvic
floor, alongside continence and contributions to pressure management and sexual
function.
5. A runner reports urine leakage only during sprinting. Which interpretation is most
appropriate?
A. The symptom is unrelated to exercise because the runner is young. B. The symptom may
represent a pelvic floor dysfunction associated with physical activity. C. The symptom
proves that the runner has a urinary tract infection. D. The symptom means the runner
should permanently stop all exercise.
Answer: B Explanation: Exercise-associated leakage can be a relevant pelvic floor
symptom. It warrants appropriate assessment rather than dismissal based on age or
fitness.
6. Which principle best reflects a sports medicine approach to pelvic floor symptoms?
A. Symptoms should be ignored unless they prevent participation. B. All athletes should
receive identical pelvic floor exercises. C. Assessment should consider the individual, the
activity, and the functional demands of sport. D. Pelvic floor rehabilitation is appropriate
only after surgery.
Answer: C Explanation: Sports medicine emphasizes individualized assessment and
management. Pelvic floor symptoms should be considered in relation to the athlete’s
sport, goals, and functional demands.
7. The pelvic floor is often described as part of the body’s pressure-management system.
Which structure works closely with it in this system?
A. Diaphragm B. Patella C. Scapula D. Achilles tendon
Answer: A Explanation: The diaphragm and pelvic floor are involved in coordinated
pressure changes within the trunk. Their interaction is relevant to breathing, lifting, and
athletic movement.
8. Which statement best describes the relationship between the pelvic floor and the
abdominal muscles?
A. They have no functional relationship. B. They may coordinate during movement and
changes in intra-abdominal pressure. C. The abdominal muscles always inhibit the pelvic
floor. D. The pelvic floor replaces the need for abdominal muscle activity.
, Answer: B Explanation: The pelvic floor and abdominal muscles can work together as part
of the trunk’s pressure and stability system. Their coordination varies with the task.
9. A patient with pelvic floor symptoms is hesitant to disclose them because they believe
such symptoms are “normal” in sport. What is the best clinical response?
A. Reassure the patient that symptoms are always harmless. B. Explain that symptoms can
occur in athletes but should be assessed and managed appropriately. C. Tell the patient to
avoid discussing the symptoms further. D. Recommend maximal pelvic floor strengthening
without assessment.
Answer: B Explanation: Symptoms may be common in some sporting populations, but they
should not automatically be accepted as unavoidable or left untreated. Sensitive,
informed assessment is important.
10. Which of the following best illustrates the pelvic floor’s role in continence?
A. It helps regulate the opening and closing of the urethral and anal sphincters. B. It
produces urine in the kidneys. C. It controls the movement of the intestines through the
abdomen. D. It prevents all changes in bladder pressure.
Answer: A Explanation: Continence depends on coordinated function of the pelvic floor
and sphincter mechanisms. The pelvic floor contributes to maintaining closure and
responding to pressure changes.
11. Why is pelvic floor assessment relevant to an athlete’s quality of life?
A. Pelvic floor symptoms can affect confidence, participation, and daily activities. B. Pelvic
floor symptoms affect only elite athletes. C. Quality of life is unrelated to physical
symptoms. D. Pelvic floor assessment is only relevant for athletes preparing for
competition.
Answer: A Explanation: Pelvic floor symptoms may influence physical activity, confidence,
and everyday function. Sports medicine should consider these effects when planning care.
12. Which statement best distinguishes pelvic floor strength from pelvic floor function?
A. Strength and function are identical. B. Strength refers only to endurance, while function
refers only to flexibility. C. Strength is one component of function, which also includes
coordination, timing, and the ability to relax. D. Function is determined solely by muscle
size.
