ACSM-EP Exercise Prescription 3

Question 1

The Karvonen formula uses which variables to calculate target heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Heart rate reserve (HRR) and resting heart rate

Answer

The Karvonen formula: THR = (HRmax − HRrest) × %intensity + HRrest, requiring HRR and resting HR.

Question 2

According to ACSM, what is the minimum recommended duration of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week for substantial health benefits in adults?

Accepted Answer

150 minutes

Answer

ACSM and CDC recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for substantial health benefits.

Question 3

Which physiological adaptation is primarily responsible for the increased VO2max seen after several weeks of endurance training?

Accepted Answer

Increased stroke volume and cardiac output

Answer

Endurance training primarily elevates VO2max by increasing stroke volume and maximal cardiac output, improving oxygen delivery to muscles.

Question 4

A client's 1-RM bench press is 200 lbs. For muscular hypertrophy, ACSM recommends prescribing resistance at approximately what load?

Accepted Answer

67–85% of 1-RM (134–170 lbs)

Answer

ACSM recommends 67–85% of 1-RM for hypertrophy goals, providing sufficient mechanical tension to stimulate muscle protein synthesis.

Question 5

Which type of stretching does ACSM recommend as the primary flexibility modality for most adults due to its safety and effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

Static stretching held 10–30 seconds per stretch

Answer

ACSM identifies static stretching (10–30 s per stretch, repeated 2–4 times) as the safest and most broadly recommended flexibility technique for adults.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM-EP Exercise Prescription 3