AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

What is the physiological cause of shin splints?

1. Improper breathing techniques

2. Repetitive stress and impact

3. Weak abdominal muscles

4. Insufficient carbohydrate intake

The correct answer is: Repetitive stress and impact

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, primarily arise from repetitive stress and impact on the shinbone and surrounding muscles, tendons, and bone tissue. This condition often occurs during high-impact activities such as running or jumping, especially when there is inadequate recovery or when an individual increases their activity level too quickly. Repetitive stress leads to microtrauma in the tissues around the tibia, causing inflammation and pain. For example, the muscles that attach to the shin bone may become fatigued, leading to stress on the bone itself and the surrounding connective tissues. Factors such as running on hard surfaces, wearing inappropriate footwear, or having inadequate strength or flexibility can exacerbate this condition, emphasizing the significance of repetitive stress and impact as the root cause. In contrast, improper breathing techniques, weak abdominal muscles, and insufficient carbohydrate intake do not directly contribute to the development of shin splints. While overall physical fitness and nutrition play important roles in performance and recovery, they are not the primary physiological causes of this specific issue. The focus on repetitive mechanical loading clarifies why this factor is crucial in understanding and preventing shin splints.