CHAPTER #4 - Assessments

Question 1

Why do we start any programs with assessments?

Answer 1

It important to have an assessment to view the clients movement patterns, posture, weakness and strengths and muscle deficiencies

To help identify their strengths and weakness

We want the client to perform some movements using only his/her own bodyweight.
This will give the trainer a clear picture of how well the client can control his/her body and how well the neural system is working.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the overhead squat?

Answer 2

Assessing the body form and alignment of feet, knees, low back, arms and head. It’s primary because it works almost the entire kinetic chain. It determines multiple weakness and areas of muscle tightness. It can tell you a lot on what the client needs to improve to feel better.

The overhead squat is one of the most powerful assessments, primarily because it works
almost the entire kinetic chain. By examining a client’s overhead squat, you will be able to determine multiple weaknesses and areas of muscle tightness that can help you, as an exercise professional, de- sign an appropriate exercise program.

Question 3

What is the purpose of the push-up hold?

Answer 3

Assessing the body form and alignment of the head, scapulae and low back

Entire Body - should stay in alignment for the duration of the assessment

Head - if cervical region hyper-extends, then the sternocleidomastoid is dominant

Scapulae - if they stay abducted and winged it indicates a weak serratus anterior and possibly inhibited rhomboids

Low Back - if lumbar region hyper-extends, then the inner unit is suspect (i.e., weak)
- if low back l
exes, look for overactive external obliques and weak inner unit

Question 4

. Why do we assess leg lowering?

Answer 4

To let us know if your client has released tension in the TVA and transferred it to the rectus abdominus.

Question 5

What 7 Body Parts should you pay attention to when doing an Assessment?

Answer 5

1. Head and Neck -
   Neutral Position: Neck not titled, rooted, forward or back
2. Shoulders -
   Level: Not elevated, depressed rolled forward or back.

• Scapulae -
  Neutral position, medial borders essentially parallel; about 3 to 4 inches apart.

3. Thoracic and Lumbar Spines -
   Straight, without scoliosis
4. Pelvis -
   Level: No anterior or posterior tilt
5. Hip Joints -
   Neutral position: Not adducted or abducted
6. Knees -
   Straight
7. Feet and ankles -
   Parallel or toeing out ever so slightly