ACSM-EP Exercise Testing & Prescription 3

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?

Accepted Answer

70–85% 1-RM (140–170 lb)

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Åstrand-Rhyming Test

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Muscular hypertrophy

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

50–59%

Answer

An RPE of 12–13 ('somewhat hard') corresponds to approximately 50–74% HRR, with 13 aligning most closely with the 50–59% range.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM-EP Exercise Testing & Prescription 3