NASM CPT Exam Flash Cards - Section 4: Assessment

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering Section 4 (Chapters 11 and 12) of the NASM CPT Exam Study Guide, including physiological tests, blood pressure classifications, anthropometric protocols, postural distortion syndromes, movement assessments, and performance tests.

Contraindication

A specific situation where a medication, procedure, or exercise should be avoided because it may prove to be harmful to the individual.

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+)

A detailed questionnaire designed to assess an individual’s physical readiness to engage in structured exercise; considered an appropriate minimal screening tool for conducting a health risk appraisal (HRA).

Health History Questionnaire (HHQ)

A questionnaire with lists of questions pertaining to health history and habits, including medical history (injuries, surgeries, medications, chronic disease) and lifestyle habits (exercise, eating behaviors, diet, sleep, stress, occupation).

Radial Pulse Measurement

The manual heart rate measurement site recommended by NASM for fitness professionals due to accuracy, safety, and ease of administration.

Blood Pressure (BP)

The outward pressure exerted by blood on the arterial walls, where higher scores indicate greater risks for developing life-threatening cardiovascular disease.

Normal Blood Pressure Range

A systolic and diastolic reading of less than $120/80\,\text{mm\,Hg}$.

Elevated Blood Pressure

Blood pressure with systolic between $120$ and $129\,\text{mm\,Hg}$ and diastolic less than $80\,\text{mm\,Hg}$.

Stage 1 Hypertension

Blood pressure with systolic between $130$ and $139\,\text{mm\,Hg}$ or diastolic between $80$ and $89\,\text{mm\,Hg}$.

Stage 2 Hypertension

Blood pressure with systolic $140\,\text{mm\,Hg}$ or higher or diastolic $90\,\text{mm\,Hg}$ or higher.

Hypertensive Crisis

Blood pressure with systolic greater than $180\,\text{mm\,Hg}$ and/or diastolic greater than $120\,\text{mm\,Hg}$.

Anthropometry

The field of study of the measurement of living humans for purposes of understanding physical variation in size, weight, and proportion, providing information to predict mortality and morbidity risks.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)

A body composition assessment technique that estimates body fat percentage by measuring the resistance to the flow of electrical currents introduced into the body.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

The measurement of a person's weight relative to height used to estimate the risks of obesity. Calculated as $\text{BMI} = \text{weight (kg)} \div [\text{height (m)}]^2$ (metric) or $\text{BMI} = 703 \times \text{weight (lb)} \div [\text{height (in.)}]^2$ (imperial).

BMI Classifications and Disease Risk

Underweight ($< 18.5$, Increased risk); Healthy weight ($18.5\text{–}24.9$, Low risk); Overweight ($25.0\text{–}29.9$, Increased risk); Obese ($30.0\text{–}34.9$, High risk); Obesity II ($35.0\text{–}39.9$, Very high risk); Obesity III ($\ge 40.0$, Extremely high risk).

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)

The relative score expressing the ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference ($\text{WHR} = \text{Waist Measurement} \div \text{Hip Measurement}$), correlating with cardiovascular disease risk.

WHR High Health Risk Thresholds

A waist-to-hip ratio of $1.0$ or higher for men, and $0.86$ or higher for women.

Jackson and Pollock Seven-Site Measurement

A skinfold caliper protocol measuring seven sites in both men and women: chest, mid-axillary, subscapular, triceps, abdomen, suprailiac, and thigh.

Jackson and Pollock Three-Site Measurement

A skinfold caliper protocol measuring chest, abdomen, and thigh for men, and triceps, suprailiac, and thigh for women.

Durnin–Womersley Four-Site Measurement

A skinfold caliper assessment measuring four anatomical sites in both men and women: biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac.

$\dot{V}O_{2\text{max}}$ Testing

The gold standard cardiorespiratory fitness test requiring maximal client effort and specialized laboratory equipment to measure oxygen consumption capacity.

Talk Test

An informal cardiorespiratory assessment used to gauge the intensity of cardiorespiratory activity based on the client’s ability to hold a conversation.

Ventilatory Threshold 1 (VT1) Test

An incremental aerobic test that gradually progresses in intensity to estimate the point where the body relies on a balanced fuel utilization of $50\%$ fat and $50\%$ carbohydrates, determined by how the person talks.

Ventilatory Threshold 2 (VT2) Talk Test

A cardiorespiratory test that measures the highest sustainable steady-state intensity a person can maintain for more than a few minutes.

Static Posture

The alignment of the body typically assessed in a standing position to identify three primary postural distortions: pes planus distortion syndrome, lower crossed syndrome, and upper crossed syndrome.

Pes Planus Distortion Syndrome

A postural distortion characterized statically by pes planus (collapsed arch) of the ankles, knee valgus and internal rotation, and hip adduction and internal rotation.

Pes Planus Distortion Syndrome Muscle Imbalances

Overactive: gastrocnemius, soleus (calves), adductor complex (inner thighs), and hip flexors. Underactive: anterior and posterior tibialis (shin muscles), and gluteus maximus and medius.

Lower Crossed Syndrome

A postural distortion characterized statically by flexed hip joints, anterior pelvic tilt, and excessive lumbar lordosis (extension).

Lower Crossed Syndrome Muscle Imbalances

Overactive: hip flexors and lumbar extensors (low-back muscles). Underactive: gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, hamstring complex, and abdominals.

Upper Crossed Syndrome

A postural distortion characterized statically by excessive thoracic kyphosis (hunchback, flexed posture), protracted and internally rotated shoulders, and a forward/jutted head and neck.

Upper Crossed Syndrome Muscle Imbalances

Overactive: pectoralis major and minor, levator scapula, sternocleidomastoid, and upper trapezius. Underactive: middle and lower trapezius, rhomboids, and deep cervical flexors.

Overhead Squat Assessment (OHSA)

The foundational dynamic movement assessment used to evaluate dynamic posture, core stability, and total-body neuromuscular control during a squatting motion.

OHSA Impairment: Feet Turn Out

Movement compensation where the overactive muscles are gastrocnemius/soleus (calves) and hamstrings complex, and the underactive muscles are anterior/posterior tibialis and gluteus maximus/medius.

OHSA Impairment: Knees Cave In (Knee Valgus)

Movement compensation where overactive muscles are tensor fascia latae (TFL) and adductor complex, and underactive muscles are gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and anterior/posterior tibialis.

OHSA Impairment: Low-Back Arches

Movement compensation where overactive muscles are hip flexors (rectus femoris, psoas, TFL), lumbar extensors, and latissimus dorsi; underactive muscles are gluteus maximus, hamstrings complex, and abdominals.

OHSA Impairment: Excessive Forward Trunk Lean

Movement compensation where overactive muscles are hip flexors, gastrocnemius/soleus, rectus abdominis, and external obliques; underactive muscles are gluteus maximus, hamstrings complex, and lumbar extensors.

OHSA Impairment: Arms Fall Forward

Movement compensation where overactive muscles are latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major/minor, and teres major; underactive muscles are middle/lower trapezius, rhomboids, posterior deltoids, and rotator cuff portions.

Single-Leg Squat Assessment

A transitional movement assessment designed to evaluate dynamic balance and lower-extremity neuromuscular control, typically administered after a client performs well on the OHSA.

Single-Leg Squat Impairment: Knee Caves In

Movement compensation where the overactive muscles are tensor fascia latae (TFL) and adductor complex, and the underactive muscles are gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and anterior/posterior tibialis.

Pushing and Pulling Assessments

Dynamic movement assessments that evaluate upper extremity function along with concurrent core stability during pushing and pulling movements.

Pushing/Pulling Impairment: Scapular Elevation

Compensation observed during pushing or pulling where the levator scapulae and upper trapezius are overactive, and the lower trapezius is underactive.

Pushing/Pulling Impairment: Head Juts Forward

Compensation observed during pushing or pulling where the levator scapulae and sternocleidomastoid are overactive, and the deep cervical flexors are underactive.

Push-Up Test

A performance assessment measuring muscular endurance of the upper extremities during a pushing movement.

Bench Press and Squat Strength Assessments

Advanced maximal strength performance assessments used specifically for clients with strength-oriented goals who possess resistance training experience.

Vertical Jump and Long Jump Assessments

Performance assessments used to measure lower-body power.

Lower Extremity Functional Test (LEFT)

An advanced athletic performance assessment designed specifically to evaluate lateral speed and agility.

40-Yard Dash Assessment

A performance assessment that evaluates reaction capabilities, acceleration, and maximal sprinting speed.

Pro Shuttle (5-10-5) Test

An athletic assessment that evaluates acceleration, deceleration, agility, and body control during change-of-direction sprinting.

Sequencing Order of Assessments

The systematic testing order ensuring accuracy: nonfatiguing assessments (health screening, physiological, body composition) must occur prior to posture, movement, cardiorespiratory, and performance assessments.