NASM CPT Practice Exam Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary flashcards derived from practice exam questions covering behavior change, anatomy, exercise science, and fitness assessment.

Implementation intention

A specific plan that drives behavior by identifying cues toward action.

Fascia Hierarchy

The order of specialized connective tissue starting from the most superficial: Epimysium (Epi), perimysium (Peri), and endomysium (Endo).

Caloric Value of 1 Pound of Body Fat

Contains approximately $3,500$ calories.

Beta-oxidation

The process that prepares fatty acid substrates to enter the citric acid cycle.

Amortization Phase (Plyometrics)

The phase of a plyometric exercise which, if prolonged, causes stored energy to dissipate and the unloading phase to be less powerful.

Large Intestine

The organ responsible for the absorption of food and the passage of waste into the rectum.

Palmitic Acid

A fatty acid that is not classified as an Omega-3 fatty acid.

Transverse Plane (Walking)

The plane in which the pelvis rotates during normal walking to facilitate momentum for the swing phase.

Synovial Joints

The joints most associated with human movement, such as ball and socket joints.

Force Couple for Trunk Rotation

The internal and external obliques functioning together to create movement.

Heme Iron

A type of iron that is absorbed more efficiently than nonheme iron.

Eccentric Muscle Action (Force-Velocity)

A muscle action where the ability to develop force increases as the contraction velocity increases.

Lateral Subsystem

The subsystem responsible for providing frontal plane mobility and stabilization of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex.

Erector spinae

A muscle that functions as part of the global muscular system and is considered a superficial muscle of the core.

Sagittal Plane

An imaginary line that bisects the body into right and left sides.

YMCA 3-minute Step Test Cadence

A cadence of $96$ steps per minute.

Performance Assessments

The tests that should be performed last in the overall assessment flow.

Exercise Termination Criterion

Any indication of chest pain or angina-like symptoms during exertion.

Knee Valgus Overactive Muscles

The Tensor fascia latae and the adductor complex, which may cause the knees to cave inward during an overhead squat.

Quickness

The component of SAQ involving the ability to react to a stimulus (reaction time) and change body motion in response.

Perturbation

A postural disturbance added to a task to increase the level of difficulty.

Triple Extension

The combined joint actions of plantar flexion, knee extension, and hip extension.

Single Leg Squat (Balance)

A stage 2 balance training exercise using dynamic, eccentric, and concentric movement of the balance leg through a full range of motion.

Reciprocal Inhibition

The phenomenon where the agonist (prime mover) contracts while the antagonist is inhibited, such as the triceps during a biceps curl.

SAQ Drills for Beginners

Recommended frequency of $4$ to $6$ drills per session.

Local Muscles

Stabilizer muscles that typically consist of Type I: Slow-twitch fibers.

Osteopenia

The loss of bone density related to the aging process.

SAID Principle

Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands; for example, repeatedly lifting heavy weights to produce higher levels of maximal strength.

Inverted Hurdlers Stretch

A lower-body stretch considered controversial due to a potential risk for injury.

Self-Myofascial Technique Contraindications

Medical conditions such as Cancer and bleeding disorders.

Drawing-in Maneuver

An exercise that primarily targets the transverse abdominis.

Peripheral Heart Action System

A circuit training variation that alternates upper body and lower body exercises.

Depth Jumps

The most advanced type of plyometric exercise.

Tensor fascia latae (TFL) SMR Target

The area along the front and slightly lateral (outside) part of the upper thigh, just below the pelvis.

SMR Responses

The two physiological reactions that occur from myofascial rolling: mechanical and neurophysiological.

Osteoporosis Target Areas

Commonly affects the neck of the femur and the lumbar (low-back) vertebrae.

Youth Physical Activity Recommendations

At least $60$ minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A joint disease where the immune system attacks its own tissue, causing an inflammatory response.

Dyspnea

Shortness of breath, often experienced by clients with chronic lung disease.

Stability Ball Sizing (< 5 feet)

A $45\,cm$ stability ball is recommended for individuals under five feet tall.

Emphysema Characteristics

Physical traits including being underweight and having hypertrophied neck muscles.

Atherosclerosis

The specific condition that causes coronary heart disease.

Elastic Resistance Training

A modality beneficial for improving both muscular strength and endurance.

Endorphins

Hormones released by the brain during exercise that help to reduce pain.

Ischemic Heart Disease

A condition characterized by the narrowing of coronary arteries.

Brachioradialis

The muscle primarily targeted during a biceps curl performed with the thumb up.

PAR-Q+ (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire)

A detailed questionnaire designed to assess physical readiness for structured exercise.

Injury Resistance

An outcome improved by balance training that decreases the overall risk of injury.

SAQ Drills for Intermediate Clients

Recommended frequency of $6$ to $8$ drills per session.

Reflective Listening

A communication approach where a trainer restates a client's goals back to them.

Obese BMI Classification

A Body Mass Index (BMI) of $30+$.

BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids)

The three amino acids known as Valine, leucine, and isoleucine.

Resistance Training Hormonal Tip

Slowing down the speed of contractions during eccentric and concentric phases to increase growth hormone, testosterone, and epinephrine.

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

The governmental agency responsible for regulating dietary supplements in Australia.

Sliding Filament Theory

The explanation of how a sarcomere shortens to produce a muscle contraction.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The system responsible for raising the heart rate during cardiorespiratory activities.

Iron Classification

Considered a Trace Mineral.

Underactive Muscle (Pushing Assessment)

The Lower Trapezius, which can lead to shoulder elevation when underactive.

Exhaustion Stage (GAS)

The stage of General Adaptation Syndrome where an individual may suffer an injury like an ACL sprain.

Flexibility

The normal extensibility of all soft tissues that allows for complete range of motion.

Arthrokinematics

The term describing motion occurring at the joint surface.

Vigorous-Intensity Exercise Recommendation

A minimum of $75$ minutes per week (e.g., jogging or running).

Ventilatory Threshold One (VT1)

An intensity level where continuous talking becomes challenging.

Neuromuscular Function

Specifically describes the motor function of muscles in the lower extremity.

Autogenic Inhibition

The mechanism of action for self-myofascial rolling, described as relaxation after tension.

SAQ Rest for Advanced Clients

A rest period ranging from $0$ to $90$ seconds between reps.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) Stages

The three stages: Alarm reaction, resistance development, and exhaustion.

Agility

The ability to change direction in response to a signal.

Osteoarthritis

A joint disease caused by the degeneration of cartilage within the joints.