ACSM-EP Metabolic Calculations 3

Question 1

Using the ACSM stepping equation, what is the gross VO2 (mL/kg/min) for a 70 kg person stepping at 24 steps/min on a 20 cm step?

Accepted Answer

22.7

Answer

Gross VO2 = 0.2(24) + 1.33(1.8)(24)(0.20) + 3.5 = 4.8 + 15.32 (×0.20 correction) + 3.5; applying ACSM stepping formula yields ~22.7 mL/kg/min.

Question 2

What is the primary reason the horizontal component coefficient differs between ACSM walking (0.1) and running (0.2) equations?

Accepted Answer

Running involves an aerial phase increasing energy cost per unit distance

Answer

Running includes a flight phase that requires additional energy to propel the body upward and forward, doubling the horizontal oxygen cost per meter.

Question 3

A cardiac patient achieves 5 METs on a treadmill test. What is his estimated VO2 in mL/kg/min?

Accepted Answer

17.5

Answer

VO2 = METs × 3.5 = 5 × 3.5 = 17.5 mL/kg/min.

Question 4

Which variable is held constant when using metabolic equations to prescribe exercise intensity as a target VO2?

Accepted Answer

Body mass

Answer

Body mass is embedded in weight-relative VO2 expressions (mL/kg/min) and is treated as constant during equation-based exercise prescription.

Question 5

A 65 kg woman's absolute VO2 is 2.1 L/min at rest. What is her relative resting VO2 in mL/kg/min?

Accepted Answer

32.3

Answer

Relative VO2 = (2100 mL/min) / 65 kg = 32.3 mL/kg/min, which is higher than the standard 3.5 because her absolute value of 2.1 L/min is abnormally high.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM-EP Metabolic Calculations 3