Aquatic exercise sample exam

Here are some sample questions to help you know what to expect, and how to prepare for your aquatic exercise specialty exam. 

Aquatic exercise sample exam

I. Aquatic exercise is best defined as:

  1. A water-based activity that involves stationary and movement techniques.
  2. A water-based activity which utilizes accepted training principles, without requiring classic swimming skills.
  3. A water-based activity which is derived from the physiology and design of land-based exercises.
  4. A water-based activity which is primarily appropriate for the less fit and older adults due to the limited stress on the joints.

II. Aquatic exercise can be used for which of the following:

  1. Rehabilitation of injuries
  2. Pre and post-partum exercise
  3. Sport specific training
  4. All of the above

III. Archimedes’ principle states that:

  1. A body at rest and submerged in water will displace the weight of water that is equal to the upward force (buoyancy).
  2. In order to overcome inertia, a force must be applied.
  3. An object will remain in motion until acted upon by another force.
  4. Any substance with a density of greater than one will float in water.

IV. The definition of viscosity is:

  1. The blood’s ability to return to the heart through the veins of the body
  2. The “thickness” of water
  3. The clarity of water
  4. The buoyancy of water

V. When running on the spot in water (hip flexion), the iliopsoas is:

  1. Working eccentrically
  2. Working concentrically
  3. Shortening eccentrically
  4. Shortening passively

VI. Buoyancy can be defined as:

  1. The force that pulls the body down in water.
  2. The force that compresses the body in water.
  3. The force that pushes the body up to the surface of the water.
  4. The force that propels you forward in the water.

VII. When submerged in water up to the neck, a person’s body weight will be: 

  1. Less if the person has more body fat
  2. Greater if the person has more body fat
  3. Less if the person has more muscle
  4. The same regardless of body fat composition.

VIII. What statement is TRUE about exercising in neck deep water?

  1. The circulatory system has to work harder to return blood to the heart.
  2. Increased pressure aids venous return.
  3. Participants with a high percentage of lean body mass will have difficulty keeping their feet on the ground.
  4. All of the above.

IX. When warming up, it is best to start the class with:

  1. Mild stretching to prepare the muscles for more intense exercises.
  2. Slow movements (on the spot) to prepare the muscles for more intense exercises.
  3. Moderate speed movements with travelling to prepare the body for more intense exercises and to keep the participants warm in the water.
  4. Explosive movements with travelling to prepare the body for more intense exercises and to keep participants warm in the water.

X. Which movements are considered biomechanically high-risk in the water?

  1. Jogging backwards and pulling forward.
  2. Prone kicks with or without fins.
  3. Flutter kick.
  4. Bicycling backwards.

XI. What is an important safety consideration when offering variations in hand positions?

  1. Slicing the hands through the water puts excessive pressure on the knuckles.
  2. Considering the number of muscles you plan on working in the class.
  3. The continuous clenching of the fists can increase muscle tension.
  4. Continuously offering alternatives, keeping the participants focused and interested.

XII. Which of the following is a FALSE statement about exercising in water:

  1. The body loses fluids while exercising in the water.
  2. Extended periods of hanging on kickboards can lead to shoulder stress.
  3. Exercising in waist deep water can lead to stress fractures.
  4. When raising the hands above shoulder height, the palms of the hands should be
  5. rotated downward.

Answers: 1 (2), 2 (4), 3 (1), 4 (2), 5 (2), 6 (3), 7 (4), 8 (2), 9 (3), 10 (2), 11 (3), 12 (4)