National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Practice Exam

Repetitive stress injury (RSI) is a condition that occurs due to the repeated performance of a specific activity or movement, leading to overuse of particular muscles or tendons. This form of injury is primarily associated with pattern overload, where the consistent and frequent application of the same movement pattern causes microtrauma to the tissues. Over time, the cumulative microtrauma can result in inflammation, pain, and impaired function of the affected area.

In contrast, acute injuries typically occur suddenly due to a specific trauma or incident, such as a fall or collision, rather than through repetitive actions. The cumulative injury cycle refers to the progressive nature of injuries that can result from repetitive use, but it encompasses a broader spectrum of injuries beyond just repetitive stress conditions. Muscle strains involve a specific injury to the muscle fibers often due to overexertion or excessive force, distinct from the chronic effects seen in RSIs. Therefore, recognizing that RSIs arise primarily from repetitive activities helps to understand the nature of pattern overload and its implications in injury development.