NETA CPT flashcards

34 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Scope of practice

The legally defined boundaries of a personal trainer's role: designing and supervising exercise programs and providing general health education, but not diagnosing, prescribing, or providing medical treatment.

PAR-Q+

A screening questionnaire that identifies clients who may need medical clearance before exercise. A yes answer to any follow-up question requires clearance from a qualified healthcare provider.

FITT-VP principle

A framework for exercise prescription built from Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type, Volume, and Progression. It structures aerobic, resistance, and flexibility programs in a systematic way.

Karvonen formula

A target heart rate calculation that includes resting heart rate: ((HRmax minus resting HR) times intensity percentage) plus resting HR. It personalizes training zones better than percentage of HRmax alone.

Progressive overload

The gradual increase of training stress, such as load, volume, or frequency, to stimulate continued adaptation. Increases of roughly 5 to 10 percent per week limit injury risk.

Sliding filament theory

The explanation of muscle contraction in which myosin cross-bridges attach to actin and pull filaments past each other, shortening sarcomeres. Calcium binding to troponin exposes the actin binding sites.

Type I muscle fibers

Slow-twitch fibers with high oxidative capacity, many mitochondria, and resistance to fatigue. They support sustained aerobic activity such as distance running and postural control.

Length-tension relationship

The principle that a muscle produces maximal active force at an optimal resting length. Force declines when the muscle is over-shortened or over-lengthened because of reduced actin-myosin overlap.

Force-velocity relationship

The principle that concentric force decreases as shortening velocity increases. Eccentric actions can generate greater force than isometric or concentric actions at the same joint angle.

Third-class lever

A lever arrangement in which the effort is applied between the fulcrum and the load. Most human joints, such as the elbow during biceps curl, act as third-class levers.

Stretch-shortening cycle

A sequence of eccentric lengthening, brief amortization, and concentric shortening used in plyometrics. A shorter amortization phase improves power output during jumping and sprinting.

Phosphagen system

The ATP-CP energy system that supplies energy for roughly the first 10 seconds of maximal effort without oxygen. It powers sprints, jumps, and heavy single repetitions.

Anaerobic glycolysis

The energy pathway that dominates from about 10 seconds to 2 minutes of intense exercise. It produces lactate and hydrogen ions, contributing to fatigue during high-intensity work.

Lactate threshold

The exercise intensity at which blood lactate accumulates faster than it is cleared. Training near this intensity improves endurance performance and raises the threshold.

VO2max

The maximal rate of oxygen uptake during intense exercise, expressed in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute. It is a key marker of cardiorespiratory fitness.

EPOC

Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption: elevated oxygen uptake after exercise that supports phosphagen replenishment, lactate clearance, and return of body temperature to normal.

Body mass index

Weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. It screens for weight status but does not distinguish fat from lean mass, so it is interpreted with other measures.

1RM testing

The direct measurement of the heaviest load a client can lift once with proper technique. Submaximal repetition tests can estimate 1RM to reduce injury risk.

Borg RPE scale

A perceived exertion scale from 6 to 20, where 12 to 13 corresponds to moderate intensity and 14 to 17 to vigorous intensity. A 0 to 10 version is also used.

Periodization

The systematic variation of training volume and intensity across macrocycles, mesocycles, and microcycles. It optimizes adaptation and reduces risk of overtraining and stagnation.

Training volume

The total amount of work performed, commonly calculated as sets times repetitions times load. Volume and intensity are generally inversely related in program design.

Macronutrient energy values

Carbohydrate and protein each provide about 4 kilocalories per gram, fat about 9 kilocalories per gram, and alcohol about 7 kilocalories per gram.

AMDR

The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range for adults: 45 to 65 percent of calories from carbohydrate, 20 to 35 percent from fat, and 10 to 35 percent from protein.

Protein for active adults

General guidance of about 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. Higher intakes support resistance training and help preserve lean mass during caloric restriction.

Energy balance

The relationship between calories consumed and calories expended. A sustained surplus promotes weight gain, while a sustained deficit promotes weight loss over time.

Absolute contraindication

A condition that makes exercise testing unsafe under any circumstance, such as acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or uncontrolled arrhythmia. Testing must be deferred.

Informed consent

A documented process before assessment or training that discloses purpose, risks, benefits, and the right to withdraw. It protects both client autonomy and trainer liability.

Emergency action plan

A written protocol listing venue address, emergency contacts, AED location, responder roles, and drill schedules. It guides a coordinated response to sudden cardiac or medical events.

Negligence elements

Four elements must be shown: duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and damages. Accurate records and clear scope boundaries reduce liability exposure.

Pregnancy exercise cautions

Avoid supine exercise after the first trimester and activities with fall or contact risk. Follow the PARmed-X for Pregnancy clearance process and physician guidance.

Youth resistance training

Supervised resistance training is safe for youth when technique is emphasized and loads are light. A common starting point is 1 to 2 sets of 8 to 15 repetitions.

Transtheoretical model

A behavior change model with five stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Interventions should match the client's current stage.

SMART goals

Goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Process goals, such as attending three sessions weekly, often support adherence better than outcome goals alone.

Motivational interviewing

A client-centered counseling approach using open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summaries. It rolls with resistance rather than confronting the client directly.