Pass the NASM Personal Trainer CPT Questions and answers with ValidTests

In the Overhead Squat Assessment (OHSA), an excessive forward lean often indicates underactive erector spinae muscles along with other potential compensations. The NASM CPT7 Study Guide explains that decreased neural drive (underactivity) in the erector spinae reduces the spine’s ability to remain extended against gravity, leading to a forward trunk angle.

The erector spinae are part of the posterior chain, working synergistically with the gluteus maximus and hamstrings to maintain upright posture during squatting. When they are underactive, other muscles—such as the hip flexor complex—may dominate, pulling the pelvis and torso forward. Popliteus primarily assists with knee stability and internal rotation of the tibia, rhomboids are involved in scapular retraction (not lumbar extension), and the rectus femoris is a hip flexor/knee extensor, often overactive in forward lean cases. Thus, the forward lean points directly to reduced neural drive in the erector spinae.

Stabilization-level reactive (plyometric) exercises in the OPT model are designed to improve neuromuscular efficiency, which NASM defines as the ability of the nervous system to coordinate muscles to produce force, reduce force, and stabilize in all planes of motion.

These exercises (e.g., squat jump with stabilization, box jump-down with stabilization) focus on proper landing mechanics, balance, and posture, rather than maximum power output.

While rate of force production (Option C) and amortization phase improvements occur in higher training phases, Phase 1 reactive training is about enhancing control and coordination. Prime mover strength (Option A) is not the primary goal here. Therefore, the correct answer is neuromuscular efficiency.

In a pulling assessment, if a client’s head protrudes forward, NASM identifies the deep cervical flexors as commonly underactive. This forward head posture often results from overactivity in muscles such as the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and levator scapulae, combined with underactivity in stabilizing muscles like the deep cervical flexors. Corrective strategies include activation exercises for the deep cervical flexors and stretching/inhibiting the overactive neck and shoulder muscles.

When shoulders elevate and the head moves forward during a pushing assessment, NASM identifies overactive muscles including the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and levator scapulae. These compensations suggest dominance of neck and shoulder elevators combined with underactivity of stabilizers such as the deep cervical flexors and mid/lower trapezius. Corrective strategies involve inhibiting and stretching the overactive muscles, then activating the underactive ones to restore optimal pushing mechanics.