National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Practice Exam

What does the term "overactive" refer to in relation to neuromuscular patterns?

1. Disrupted recruitment patterns causing heightened muscle activity

2. Muscles that are less active than normal during movement

3. Muscles balanced in activity during joint action

4. A state of muscle fatigue

The correct answer is: Disrupted recruitment patterns causing heightened muscle activity

The term "overactive" in relation to neuromuscular patterns specifically refers to disrupted recruitment patterns that result in heightened muscle activity. In this context, overactive muscles are those that are firing too frequently or excessively during certain movements, which can lead to imbalances and potential injury. This overactivity can stem from various factors, including habitual postural adjustments, compensation mechanisms for weaknesses elsewhere in the kinetic chain, or adaptive shortening from prolonged positions, such as sitting. When muscles are overactive, they may dominate the movement patterns, which can inhibit the proper function of other muscle groups that should be more active. Recognizing and addressing overactive muscles is crucial in a corrective exercise program because it helps restore balance and proper function within the kinetic chain, facilitating more efficient movement patterns and reducing the risk of injury. Other options involve concepts like underactivity, balance, and fatigue, but they do not capture the essence of what "overactive" means in the context of neuromuscular physiology, which emphasizes the excessive or inappropriate activation of muscles.