American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Which activity is often linked to the development of tendonitis in athletes?

1. Swimming

2. Running

3. Yoga

4. Pilates

The correct answer is: Running

The development of tendonitis in athletes is often linked to running due to the repetitive stress placed on the tendons during this activity. Running involves high-impact movements that can lead to micro-tears in the tendons, especially in the lower extremities like the Achilles tendon and patellar tendon. This repetitive motion, particularly if done without proper conditioning, warm-up, or recovery time, can result in inflammation and pain characteristic of tendonitis. While other activities, such as swimming, yoga, and Pilates, can also contribute to injuries, they typically involve less repetitive impact on the tendons compared to running. Swimming is a low-impact sport primarily promoting flexibility and endurance without stressing the tendons similarly. Yoga and Pilates focus on balance, flexibility, and core strength, which can actually prevent injurious conditions when practiced correctly. Therefore, running stands out as the activity most closely associated with the risk of developing tendonitis among the options provided.