ACE Functional Fitness Assessments 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client's 1.5-mile run time is used to estimate which physiological parameter?
- Lactate threshold
- Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) (Correct answer)
- Anaerobic power output
- Resting metabolic rate
Correct answer: Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)
The 1.5-mile run test is a field assessment used to predict maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) based on completion time.
Question 2: The Rockport Walking Test requires the client to walk exactly one mile as fast as possible. What data is recorded at the finish to estimate VO2max?
- Blood pressure and respiratory rate
- Walk time and immediate post-exercise heart rate (Correct answer)
- Rating of perceived exertion only
- Stride length and cadence
Correct answer: Walk time and immediate post-exercise heart rate
The Rockport Walking Test uses completion time and a 10-second post-exercise heart rate count to estimate VO2max via a validated equation.
Question 3: During a plank test for core endurance, which primary muscle group is being assessed for isometric holding capacity?
- Erector spinae
- Anterior core stabilizers (transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis) (Correct answer)
- Hip extensors
- Thoracic rotators
Correct answer: Anterior core stabilizers (transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis)
The plank test evaluates isometric endurance of the anterior core, especially the transverse abdominis and rectus abdominis.
Question 4: Which cardiovascular field test is most appropriate for a deconditioned older adult who cannot safely run?
- 1.5-mile run test
- 12-minute Cooper run test
- Rockport 1-mile walk test (Correct answer)
- YMCA step test
Correct answer: Rockport 1-mile walk test
The Rockport Walk Test is specifically designed for lower-fitness populations and requires only brisk walking, making it safer for deconditioned older adults.
Question 5: A client cannot touch their toes in a standing toe-touch screen. After a 90-second calf foam-roll session, their reach improves noticeably. This suggests the primary restriction was likely:
- Neural tension in the sciatic nerve
- Soft tissue restriction in the posterior lower leg (Correct answer)
- Structural hip impingement
- Lumbar disc pathology
Correct answer: Soft tissue restriction in the posterior lower leg
Rapid improvement following foam rolling suggests myofascial tightness in the calves rather than neural or structural pathology.
Question 6: In the ACE protocol for the YMCA step test, what is the standard step height and cadence used?
- 10 inches at 24 steps/min
- 12 inches at 96 beats/min (24 steps/min) (Correct answer)
- 16 inches at 30 steps/min
- 12 inches at 120 beats/min (30 steps/min)
Correct answer: 12 inches at 96 beats/min (24 steps/min)
The YMCA step test uses a 12-inch step at a cadence of 96 beats per minute (24 complete steps per minute) for 3 minutes.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes the purpose of conducting a functional movement assessment BEFORE a fitness assessment?
- To determine target heart rate zones
- To identify movement limitations that could affect test validity or injury risk (Correct answer)
- To establish the client's VO2max baseline
- To calculate body composition estimates
Correct answer: To identify movement limitations that could affect test validity or injury risk
Functional movement screening precedes fitness testing to detect compensations or limitations that could invalidate test results or increase injury risk.
ACE Functional Fitness Assessments 4
A client's 1.5-mile run time is used to estimate which physiological parameter?