What type of goal is a female client with knee discomfort likely pursuing when she wants to return to hiking?

The correct answer highlights that the client is focusing on a specific end result, which is her ability to return to hiking without discomfort in her knees. This aligns with the definition of an outcome goal, as it directly relates to achieving a desired state or result, like getting back to a particular activity that she enjoys.

Outcome goals are generally centered around the achievement of a specific target and often consider the physical capabilities required to reach that target. In this situation, the client is not just aiming for improvements in general fitness or performance metrics; her goal is explicitly tied to the end outcome of hiking comfortably.

While process goals would involve the steps taken during her training (such as following a specific exercise regimen), performance goals would relate to improving specific measurable performances (like how far she can walk or run), and fitness goals would focus on enhancing general health or fitness levels, none of these options capture her primary motivation of returning to a beloved recreational activity.

Thus, the focus on resuming hiking reinforces that her primary aim is to reach that specific outcome of returning to physical activity without discomfort.