NPCP NCPT flashcards

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

Hundred

Classical mat exercise performed supine with head and shoulders lifted, arms pumping about five inches for 100 counts, using a five-count inhale and five-count exhale.

Roll-Up

Supine to seated spinal articulation with arms overhead; reverses from seated to supine. It trains abdominal control, spinal mobility, and breath coordination.

Powerhouse

Functional trunk cylinder of transversus abdominis, pelvic floor, multifidus, diaphragm, and deep hip rotators; it stabilizes the spine and initiates distal movement.

Neutral pelvis

Pelvic position in which the anterior superior iliac spines and pubic symphysis share a vertical plane, preserving the natural lumbar curve during upright and supine work.

Imprint

Posterior pelvic tilt that flexes the lumbar spine and flattens the curve; used as a modification for support or flexion bias, not as the default for every client.

Lateral breathing

Inhale through the nose to expand the rib cage laterally and posteriorly; exhale through the mouth to engage the deep abdominal wall while maintaining trunk support.

Reformer spring tension

Lighter springs reduce support and increase instability; heavier springs add assistance and stability. Selection depends on exercise, goal, client control, and safety.

Sagittal plane

Plane dividing the body into left and right; movements are flexion and extension, as in roll-up, swan, and footwork.

Frontal plane

Plane dividing the body into front and back; movements include abduction, adduction, and lateral flexion, as in side bend and side kick.

Transverse plane

Plane dividing the body into upper and lower; movements are rotation, as in spine twist, saw, and corkscrew.

Scapulohumeral rhythm

Coordinated 2:1 ratio of glenohumeral to scapulothoracic motion during arm elevation; roughly 60 degrees of scapular upward rotation accompanies 180 degrees of flexion.

Length-tension relationship

Muscle active force is greatest near resting length; shortened or lengthened positions reduce force capacity and alter joint motion and compensation strategy.

Closed-chain exercise

Distal segment is fixed, producing joint compression and multi-joint co-contraction; Reformer footwork with feet against the bar is an example.

Force couple

Two or more muscles pull in different directions around a joint to create rotation; obliques and erector spinae controlling the trunk illustrate this.

PAR-Q+

Pre-participation screening questionnaire; any yes answer requires follow-up and may require medical clearance before exercise. It is not a diagnostic tool.

Plumb-line assessment

Standing posture screen aligning mastoid process, acromion, greater trochanter, and lateral malleolus; deviations suggest muscle imbalance or structural variation.

Kyphotic-lordotic posture

Posture with increased thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, often accompanied by tight hip flexors and weak abdominal control.

SOAP note

Documentation format using Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan; it records client history, session findings, progress, and next steps.

Progressive overload

Gradual increase in training demand through lever length, spring tension, repetitions, range, tempo, or complexity; adaptation requires overload while movement quality is preserved.

Osteoporosis precaution

Avoid loaded spinal flexion and rotation; emphasize neutral or extension alignment, balance, and coordination, and follow medical guidance for fracture risk.

External focus cue

Cue directed at the movement effect or environment, such as 'reach toward the wall'; often supports motor learning and automatic control.

Internal focus cue

Cue directed at a body part or muscle, such as 'contract the transversus abdominis'; useful for awareness but can disrupt automatic movement.

Knowledge of results

Extrinsic feedback about the outcome of a movement, such as 'you completed eight controlled repetitions'; helps the learner compare performance with the goal.

Cognitive stage of learning

Beginner motor learning stage with frequent errors and high need for demonstration, explicit instruction, and short, simple cues.

Associative stage

Intermediate motor learning stage with more consistent performance; the learner refines timing and requires less frequent feedback and longer practice.

Tactile cue

Manual contact used to guide alignment or activation; requires consent, explanation of purpose, and professional, minimal contact.

Scope of practice

Legal and ethical boundaries of Pilates teaching; teachers do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe for medical conditions and refer to licensed providers.

Informed consent

Client agreement to assessment, exercise, and touch after understanding purpose, risks, benefits, alternatives, and the right to stop; document the discussion.

Professional liability insurance

Policy covering claims of injury or negligence during teaching; it supports risk management but does not replace screening, safe equipment, or sound instruction.

Emergency action plan

Written protocol for medical emergencies: recognize the event, call emergency services, provide CPR/AED, direct others, and document the response.

Contraindication

Condition or situation in which an exercise should not be performed because risk outweighs benefit; stop the activity and refer when uncertain.

Dual relationship

Professional relationship overlapping with another significant role, such as family, business, or intimacy; judgment may be compromised, so disclose and manage or avoid.