NASM CPT Final Exam Questions and
Answers Verified by Experts
During a Pushing assessment, what are the probable overactive muscles when a client's lower
back arches? Hip flexors and erector spinae
During a Pushing assessment, what are the probable underactive muscles when a client's lower
back arches? Intrinsic core stabilizers
During a Pushing assessment, what are the probable overactive muscles when a client's shoulder
elevates/head migrates forward? Upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and levator
scapulae
During a Pushing assessment, what are the probable underactive muscles when a client's
shoulders elevate? Middle/ lower trapezius
During a Pushing assessment, what are the probable underactive muscles when a client's head
protrudes forward? Deep cervical flexors
,Name the assessment that measures lower extremity agility and neuromuscular control.
Shark Skill Test
What is an indicator that a female client's ankle complex will be in a plantar flexed position for
extended periods of time based on occupation? Wearing dress shoes (high heels)
Name the class of medication that decreases heart rate and blood pressure Beta-blockers
Name 2 conditions in which Beta-blockers might be prescribed. High blood pressure and
arrhythmias
What muscle action develops tension while lengthening and prevents resistance from
accelerating in an uncontrolled manner? Eccentric
What muscle action develops when a muscle exerts more force than is placed on it, resulting in
the shortening of the muscle? Concentric
Name the imaginary bisector that divides the body into right and left halves. Sagittal plane
,This movement primarily occurs from side to side, as if there were a wall in front of and behind
the body. Frontal plane movements
Name the energy storage and transfer unit within the cells of the body. Adenosine
Triphosphate or ATP
What is the starting zone of cardiorespiratory training when a client scores poor during the
YMCA 3-Minute Step Test? Zone one
What is the starting zone of cardiorespiratory training when a client scores average on the
YMCA 3-Minute Step Test? Zone two
What information can be provided to the health and fitness professional by knowing the client's
occupation? Common movement patterns
What relevant information can you learn about a client based on their occupation and movement
capacity? Extended periods of sitting, repetitive movements, dress shoes, mental stress
, Which muscles have decreased neural control once a client has had an ankle sprain?
Gluteus maximus and gluteus medius
This chamber of the heart gathers oxygenated blood coming to the heart from the lungs.
Left atrium
Give the straight percentage method equation for calculating a client's target heart rate.
(220-client's age) x desired intensity
Name the muscles involved in respiratory inspiration. Name the muscles involved in
respiratory inspiration.
Diaphragm, external intercostals, scalenes, sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis minor
What are three guidelines for the health and fitness professional when taking the radial pulse of a
client? Touch should be gentle, take the pulse when the client is calm, take the pulse over
the course of 3 days (at the same time each day) and average the results to ensure accuracy
Name the functional unit of the muscle that lies in the space between two Z lines. It produces
muscular contraction and is formed by repeating sections of actin and myosin. Sarcomere
Answers Verified by Experts
During a Pushing assessment, what are the probable overactive muscles when a client's lower
back arches? Hip flexors and erector spinae
During a Pushing assessment, what are the probable underactive muscles when a client's lower
back arches? Intrinsic core stabilizers
During a Pushing assessment, what are the probable overactive muscles when a client's shoulder
elevates/head migrates forward? Upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and levator
scapulae
During a Pushing assessment, what are the probable underactive muscles when a client's
shoulders elevate? Middle/ lower trapezius
During a Pushing assessment, what are the probable underactive muscles when a client's head
protrudes forward? Deep cervical flexors
,Name the assessment that measures lower extremity agility and neuromuscular control.
Shark Skill Test
What is an indicator that a female client's ankle complex will be in a plantar flexed position for
extended periods of time based on occupation? Wearing dress shoes (high heels)
Name the class of medication that decreases heart rate and blood pressure Beta-blockers
Name 2 conditions in which Beta-blockers might be prescribed. High blood pressure and
arrhythmias
What muscle action develops tension while lengthening and prevents resistance from
accelerating in an uncontrolled manner? Eccentric
What muscle action develops when a muscle exerts more force than is placed on it, resulting in
the shortening of the muscle? Concentric
Name the imaginary bisector that divides the body into right and left halves. Sagittal plane
,This movement primarily occurs from side to side, as if there were a wall in front of and behind
the body. Frontal plane movements
Name the energy storage and transfer unit within the cells of the body. Adenosine
Triphosphate or ATP
What is the starting zone of cardiorespiratory training when a client scores poor during the
YMCA 3-Minute Step Test? Zone one
What is the starting zone of cardiorespiratory training when a client scores average on the
YMCA 3-Minute Step Test? Zone two
What information can be provided to the health and fitness professional by knowing the client's
occupation? Common movement patterns
What relevant information can you learn about a client based on their occupation and movement
capacity? Extended periods of sitting, repetitive movements, dress shoes, mental stress
, Which muscles have decreased neural control once a client has had an ankle sprain?
Gluteus maximus and gluteus medius
This chamber of the heart gathers oxygenated blood coming to the heart from the lungs.
Left atrium
Give the straight percentage method equation for calculating a client's target heart rate.
(220-client's age) x desired intensity
Name the muscles involved in respiratory inspiration. Name the muscles involved in
respiratory inspiration.
Diaphragm, external intercostals, scalenes, sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis minor
What are three guidelines for the health and fitness professional when taking the radial pulse of a
client? Touch should be gentle, take the pulse when the client is calm, take the pulse over
the course of 3 days (at the same time each day) and average the results to ensure accuracy
Name the functional unit of the muscle that lies in the space between two Z lines. It produces
muscular contraction and is formed by repeating sections of actin and myosin. Sarcomere
