Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) Practice Exam

Which factor significantly increases the risk of musculoskeletal injury in clients with overweight or obesity when increased too soon?

1. Frequency

2. Intensity

3. Time

4. Volume

The correct answer is: Intensity

Increasing the intensity of an exercise or physical activity program too rapidly is recognized as a significant contributor to musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in clients with overweight or obesity. When individuals who may already be experiencing mechanical stress on their joints and muscles due to excess weight suddenly engage in high-intensity activities, they create a risk for overuse injuries or acute trauma. Intensity refers to how hard a person is exercising or the amount of effort required. A rapid escalation in this factor can lead to improper form, inadequate recovery time, and insufficient adaptation of the musculoskeletal system to the increased demands being placed upon it. Therefore, managing intensity effectively is crucial in exercise programs designed for individuals with overweight or obesity, as this ensures that they can improve their fitness levels safely without increasing the risk of injury. While factors such as frequency, time, and volume are also important, the most immediate effect on injury risk is related to how intensely the body is being pushed, particularly for populations that may already be vulnerable due to their weight.