ACSM-EP Exercise Testing & Prescription 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which equation is used by ACSM to estimate oxygen consumption during level treadmill walking?
- VO2 = 3.5 + (0.1 × speed)
- VO2 = 3.5 + (0.1 × speed) + (1.8 × speed × grade) (Correct answer)
- VO2 = 0.2 × speed + 3.5
- VO2 = 0.1 × speed + (1.8 × grade)
Correct answer: VO2 = 3.5 + (0.1 × speed) + (1.8 × speed × grade)
The ACSM walking equation is VO2 = 3.5 + (0.1 × speed) + (1.8 × speed × fractional grade), where speed is in m/min.
Question 2: A 55-year-old male has a resting HR of 68 bpm and a measured maximal HR of 162 bpm. Using the Karvonen method, what is his target HR at 70% intensity?
- 119 bpm
- 133 bpm (Correct answer)
- 125 bpm
- 141 bpm
Correct answer: 133 bpm
Karvonen: HRR = 162 − 68 = 94; 70% HRR = 0.70 × 94 = 65.8; target HR = 65.8 + 68 ≈ 134 bpm (closest = 133 bpm).
Question 3: During a graded exercise test, a patient's systolic BP drops 10 mmHg below standing rest despite increasing workload. The EP's best action is to:
- Continue the test and reassess at the next stage
- Reduce treadmill speed by 1 mph
- Terminate the test immediately (Correct answer)
- Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
Correct answer: Terminate the test immediately
Exertional hypotension (SBP falling ≥10 mmHg below standing rest with symptoms or signs of ischemia) is an absolute indication to stop the GXT.
Question 4: Which training principle states that adaptations are specific to the muscles, energy systems, and movement patterns used during training?
- Overload
- Reversibility
- Specificity (SAID) (Correct answer)
- Progressive overload
Correct answer: Specificity (SAID)
The SAID principle (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands) dictates that training effects mirror the physiological demands placed on the body.
Question 5: For a previously sedentary adult beginning aerobic training, ACSM recommends an initial exercise intensity range of approximately:
- 30–40% HRR
- 40–59% HRR (Correct answer)
- 60–70% HRR
- 70–85% HRR
Correct answer: 40–59% HRR
ACSM recommends 40–59% HRR (moderate intensity) as an appropriate starting range for deconditioned individuals beginning aerobic training.
Question 6: The talk test during aerobic exercise corresponds most closely to which intensity zone?
- Light intensity (< 40% VO2R)
- Moderate intensity (40–59% VO2R) (Correct answer)
- Vigorous intensity (≥ 60% VO2R)
- Maximal intensity (≥ 85% VO2R)
Correct answer: Moderate intensity (40–59% VO2R)
The talk test threshold—where speech becomes noticeably difficult—corresponds to approximately the ventilatory threshold and moderate-to-vigorous intensity border.
Question 7: Which of the following is the primary purpose of a cool-down period following vigorous aerobic exercise?
- Increase lactic acid production
- Prevent venous pooling and facilitate cardiovascular recovery (Correct answer)
- Rapidly lower core temperature below resting levels
- Maximize caloric expenditure post-exercise
Correct answer: Prevent venous pooling and facilitate cardiovascular recovery
The cool-down helps return venous blood from the periphery to the central circulation, preventing hypotension and supporting cardiac recovery.
ACSM-EP Exercise Testing & Prescription 2
Which equation is used by ACSM to estimate oxygen consumption during level treadmill walking?