ACSM-EP Exercise Prescription 4

Question 1

An exercise physiologist prescribes aquatic exercise for a client with severe osteoarthritis. What is the PRIMARY physiological rationale?

Accepted Answer

Buoyancy reduces joint loading while providing resistance for cardiovascular and muscular conditioning

Answer

Water buoyancy significantly reduces joint compressive forces, making aquatic exercise ideal for clients with joint disease while still providing aerobic and muscular benefits.

Question 2

What does ACSM's 'Volume' (V) component in FITT-VP represent in aerobic exercise prescription?

Accepted Answer

Total amount of exercise, expressed as MET-minutes or total caloric expenditure per week

Answer

Volume quantifies the total dose of exercise (e.g., MET-min/week or kcal/week) by integrating frequency, intensity, and duration.

Question 3

Which of the following best represents a contraindication to initiating a vigorous exercise program without physician clearance?

Accepted Answer

Recent myocardial infarction within the past 30 days

Answer

A recent MI (within 30 days) is an absolute contraindication to vigorous exercise without medical clearance due to risk of recurrent cardiac events.

Question 4

When prescribing resistance training for muscular endurance, ACSM recommends which combination?

Accepted Answer

Light loads (<50% 1-RM), high repetitions (≥15), short rest intervals (<30 s)

Answer

Muscular endurance training uses lighter loads with higher reps and shorter rest periods to stress oxidative metabolic pathways in muscle fibers.

Question 5

The 'Progression' (P) component of FITT-VP in resistance training typically involves which approach?

Accepted Answer

Gradually increasing load, volume, or complexity over time as adaptations occur

Answer

Progression involves systematically increasing training stimulus (load, volume, or difficulty) to continue driving adaptations via the overload principle.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM-EP Exercise Prescription 4