AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Which condition involves overstretching or overuse of soft tissue?

1. Subluxation

2. Muscle strain

3. Sprain

4. Dislocation

The correct answer is: Muscle strain

The condition that refers to the overstretching or overuse of soft tissue is indeed a muscle strain. A muscle strain occurs when muscle fibers are stretched beyond their limits, which can happen due to a sudden movement, repetitive use, or heavy lifting. This overstretching can lead to minor tears in the muscle or tendon, causing pain, swelling, and a reduced range of motion. In contrast, the other conditions listed involve different mechanisms. A subluxation refers to a partial dislocation of a joint where the bone partially loses contact with its normal position in the joint. A sprain involves the ligaments, which are the soft tissues connecting bones at a joint, being overstretched or torn. Dislocation occurs when a joint is forced out of its normal position, which is a more severe injury than a strain. Each of these conditions affects different structures within the body and presents with distinct symptoms, making muscle strain specifically linked to the overstretching or overuse of soft tissue.