ACSM-EP Exercise Testing & Prescription 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client performs a 1-RM bench press test and lifts 200 lb. Using the ACSM guideline for muscular strength development, what load range should be prescribed?
- 40–60% 1-RM (80–120 lb)
- 60–70% 1-RM (120–140 lb)
- 70–85% 1-RM (140–170 lb) (Correct answer)
- 90–100% 1-RM (180–200 lb)
Correct answer: 70–85% 1-RM (140–170 lb)
ACSM recommends 70–85% of 1-RM for improving muscular strength in trained individuals, corresponding to 140–170 lb in this case.
Question 2: Which submaximal cycle ergometer test uses a single steady-state HR and a nomogram to predict VO2max?
- YMCA Cycle Ergometer Test
- Åstrand-Rhyming Test (Correct answer)
- Bruce Protocol
- Rockport 1-Mile Walk Test
Correct answer: Åstrand-Rhyming Test
The Åstrand-Rhyming test uses one 6-minute steady-state workload and a nomogram (corrected for age) to predict VO2max from the resulting heart rate.
Question 3: During resistance training, performing 2–4 sets of 8–12 repetitions at moderate load is primarily designed to improve:
- Muscular power
- Muscular endurance
- Muscular hypertrophy (Correct answer)
- Muscular flexibility
Correct answer: Muscular hypertrophy
The classic hypertrophy protocol calls for 3–4 sets of 8–12 repetitions at 67–85% 1-RM with moderate rest intervals (60–90 s).
Question 4: An exercise physiologist is planning flexibility training for a client. Which stretching technique has the greatest evidence for acute increases in range of motion?
- Ballistic stretching
- Dynamic stretching
- Static stretching
- Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
PNF stretching (contract-relax and hold-relax techniques) consistently produces the largest acute gains in ROM compared to static or dynamic methods.
Question 5: The RPE scale (Borg 6–20) value of 13 corresponds approximately to which percentage of heart rate reserve?
- 30–39%
- 40–49%
- 50–59% (Correct answer)
- 60–69%
Correct answer: 50–59%
An RPE of 12–13 ('somewhat hard') corresponds to approximately 50–74% HRR, with 13 aligning most closely with the 50–59% range.
Question 6: Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to exercise testing according to ACSM guidelines?
- Controlled hypertension (SBP 150/90 mmHg)
- Resting ST depression of 1 mm
- Recent significant change in ECG at rest (Correct answer)
- Moderate valvular disease
Correct answer: Recent significant change in ECG at rest
A recent significant change in the resting ECG suggesting ischemia, injury, or arrhythmia is an absolute contraindication to exercise testing.
Question 7: For older adults (≥65 years), ACSM recommends adding which component to the standard FITT prescription that may be less emphasized for younger adults?
- Aquatic aerobic exercise only
- Balance and fall-prevention training (Correct answer)
- High-intensity interval training
- Competitive sport participation
Correct answer: Balance and fall-prevention training
ACSM specifically recommends balance training 2–3 days/week for older adults to reduce fall risk, a priority not routinely emphasized in younger adult guidelines.
ACSM-EP Exercise Testing & Prescription 3
A client performs a 1-RM bench press test and lifts 200 lb.
Using the ACSM guideline for muscular strength development, what load range should be prescribed?