NSCA-CPT case studies
NSCA-CPT · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The NSCA Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) is a credential for trainers who work one-on-one with apparently healthy clients, in settings that range from commercial gyms to clients' homes. It signals that the holder can screen a client, interpret basic assessment data, build and progress a program, coach safe technique, and respond to the emergencies and liability questions that come with the job. The NSCA-CPT case studies are 5 cases and about 3,599 words.
1The 148/94 Intake
Marcus, 47, is a systems analyst who wants to 'get in shape fast.' He walks 20 minutes three times a week and otherwise sits about 10 hours a day. At intake you record 184 lb, 5 ft 10 in, waist 42 in, and two resting blood pressure readings of 148/94 and 146/92 taken after five minutes of quiet seated rest.
766 words, about 4 min2Twelve Weeks to a 5 km With Grade 2 Knee OA
Denise, 58, is a hospital nurse working three 12-hour shifts a week. She has bilateral knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 right, grade 1 left), a BMI of 33, and a right meniscectomy 12 years ago.
696 words, about 3 min3The Squat That Looks Wrong Under Load
A client is doing back squats with 135 lb for 3 sets of 8. On video you see his heels lift about an inch at the bottom, his knees drift inward on the ascent, and his lumbar spine round slightly in the last 15 degrees of depth.
716 words, about 4 min4Chest Pressure on the Treadmill
and you are the only trainer on the floor; the front-desk staffer is 19 and has never used the AED. A 62-year-old member you have trained twice is walking on the treadmill at 3.5 mph and 5% grade.
724 words, about 4 min5Five Months Post-ACL and Ten Weeks From Kickoff
A 22-year-old recreational soccer player is five months post ACL reconstruction with a hamstring graft. Her physical therapy discharge note reads: cleared for supervised strength training; no plyometrics, no cutting, no squats past 90 degrees of knee flexion until nine months post-op; refer back if effusion increases.
697 words, about 3 min