ACSM-EP Exercise Prescription 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to ACSM guidelines, what is the recommended frequency of resistance training for older adults (65+) to improve muscular strength?
- 2–3 days per week (Correct answer)
- 5–6 days per week
- 1 day per week
- 4–5 days per week
Correct answer: 2–3 days per week
ACSM recommends resistance training 2–3 days per week for older adults, allowing adequate recovery between sessions.
Question 2: Which method best describes the 'Talk Test' as used in exercise prescription?
- A subjective gauge of exercise intensity based on the ability to converse comfortably (Correct answer)
- A formal VO2max estimation protocol
- A method of estimating 1-RM for resistance exercises
- A tool for classifying cardiovascular risk before testing
Correct answer: A subjective gauge of exercise intensity based on the ability to converse comfortably
The Talk Test estimates exercise intensity by assessing whether a participant can speak comfortably; inability to do so suggests intensity is at or above ventilatory threshold.
Question 3: A 45-year-old client has a measured VO2max of 35 mL/kg/min. What is the estimated MET value at 70% VO2max?
- 7.0 METs (Correct answer)
- 10.0 METs
- 5.0 METs
- 9.0 METs
Correct answer: 7.0 METs
70% of 35 mL/kg/min = 24.5 mL/kg/min; dividing by 3.5 gives approximately 7.0 METs.
Question 4: Which FITT-VP component is represented by adjusting from continuous training to interval training?
- Type (mode) (Correct answer)
- Frequency
- Volume
- Progression
Correct answer: Type (mode)
Changing from continuous to interval training represents a change in the Type (mode) component of the FITT-VP principle.
Question 5: For a sedentary individual beginning a cardiorespiratory program, ACSM recommends initially targeting which intensity range using %HRR?
- 40–59% HRR (Correct answer)
- 70–85% HRR
- 60–69% HRR
- 85–95% HRR
Correct answer: 40–59% HRR
ACSM recommends starting deconditioned individuals at light-to-moderate intensity, roughly 40–59% HRR, to minimize injury risk and improve adherence.
Question 6: Which best describes the purpose of a warm-up period in an exercise session?
- Gradually increase heart rate, blood flow, and joint range of motion to prepare the body for higher-intensity work (Correct answer)
- Achieve maximum VO2 rapidly to maximize caloric expenditure
- Replace the need for a cool-down period in low-intensity sessions
- Test the client's peak cardiovascular response before the main session
Correct answer: Gradually increase heart rate, blood flow, and joint range of motion to prepare the body for higher-intensity work
A warm-up gradually elevates HR, increases muscle temperature, and enhances joint mobility to reduce injury risk and prepare physiological systems.
Question 7: When prescribing exercise for a client with well-controlled hypertension, which activity should an exercise physiologist AVOID emphasizing?
- High-intensity isometric exercises held for extended durations (Correct answer)
- Moderate-intensity aerobic activity 150 min/week
- Resistance training at 60–70% 1-RM with proper breathing
- Flexibility and stretching as complementary components
Correct answer: High-intensity isometric exercises held for extended durations
Prolonged isometric contractions cause significant acute BP spikes and are contraindicated or de-emphasized in hypertensive clients.
ACSM-EP Exercise Prescription 2
According to ACSM guidelines, what is the recommended frequency of resistance training for older adults (65+) to improve muscular strength?