Final answer:
The statement is FALSE; moving a weight closer to the joint reduces the lever arm, thereby decreasing the torque and resistance provided by the same amount of weight.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a client can create more resistance by moving the weight closer to the working joint is FALSE. In physics, particularly when dealing with torque and leverages, the force exerted by the muscles and the resistance experienced depends on the distance of the weight from the pivot point of the joint (the lever arm). When the weight is moved closer to the joint, the lever arm is shorter, and thus the torque (which is the product of the force and the lever arm) decreases, assuming the same amount of weight is lifted. This means there will be less resistance or torque on the muscle, as torque is what the muscle must overcome to lift or hold the weight.
As an example, if you perform a bicep curl, the force on the biceps muscle changes with the angle between the forearm and upper arm. When the forearm is at 90° to the upper arm, the lever arm is at its longest, which creates the largest torque. As the forearm moves towards 45° or closer to the body, the lever arm length decreases, thus reducing the torque and consequently the resistance the muscle must overcome to hold or lift the weight.