Elements of Personal, Occupational, and Family Medical History

Question 1

Extended periods of sitting—

Answer 1

can lead to: tight hip flexors, rounding of shoulders, and forward head.

Question 2

Repetitive movement patterns

Answer 2

can create pattern overload (e.g., arms constantly overhead – construction, painting, etc. – can lead to tight latissimus dorsi and weak rotator cuff).

Question 3

Dress shoes

Answer 3

constantly plantarflexed position leads to tight gastrocnemius, soleus, and Achilles tendon, causing decreased dorsiflexion and over-pronation (flat feet).

Question 4

Mental stress

Answer 4

can cause:
• Elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and ventilation at rest and when exercising.
• Abnormal breathing patterns that cause imbalances in the neck, shoulders, chest, and low back.

Question 5

Past injuries/surgeries:

Answer 5

Strong predictor of future risk of injury.
• Ankle sprains decrease neural control to the gluteus medius and maximus.
• Knee injuries decrease neural control to muscles that stabilize the kneecap.
• Non-contact knee injuries are often the result of hip or ankle dysfunction.
• Low back pain can cause decreased neural control of core stabilization muscles.
• Shoulder injuries can lead to altered neural control of the rotator cuff.

Question 6

Common medications

Answer 6

can effect exercise performance; e.g., beta-blockers lower heart rate and blood pressure.

Question 7

Chronic conditions

Answer 7

medical conditions such as: hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions, cardiorespiratory conditions, diabetes, stroke, or cancer.