ACSM-EP Metabolic Calculations 4

Question 1

A 90 kg man cycles at 180 W. Using the ACSM leg ergometer equation, what is his gross VO2 in mL/kg/min? (1 W = 6.12 kgm/min)

Accepted Answer

39.4

Answer

Work rate = 180 × 6.12 = 1101.6 kgm/min; VO2 gross = (1.8 × 1101.6)/90 + 3.5 = 22.0 + 3.5 = ~39.4 + 3.5 → recalculate: 1.8 × 1101.6 = 1982.9 / 90 = 22.03 + 3.5 = 25.5; closest answer is 28.2 accounting for the 7 mL/kg/min unloaded term if included.

Question 2

What distinguishes net VO2 from gross VO2?

Accepted Answer

Net VO2 subtracts resting VO2 from gross VO2

Answer

Net VO2 = gross VO2 − resting VO2 (3.5 mL/kg/min), representing only the oxygen cost attributable to the exercise itself.

Question 3

Which treadmill grade (%) produces the greatest increase in VO2 per unit change in grade, all else equal?

Accepted Answer

All grades produce the same VO2 increase per percent change

Answer

In the ACSM equations, the vertical component is linear with grade; each 1% grade increase contributes the same fixed VO2 increment at a given speed.

Question 4

A 55 kg female walks at 4 mph on a level treadmill. Using the ACSM walking equation, what is her approximate gross VO2 (mL/kg/min)?

Accepted Answer

14.4

Answer

Speed = 4 × 26.8 = 107.2 m/min; gross VO2 = 0.1(107.2) + 1.8(107.2)(0) + 3.5 = 10.72 + 0 + 3.5 = 14.22 ≈ 14.4 mL/kg/min.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the concept of oxygen debt (EPOC) in relation to steady-state exercise?

Accepted Answer

Elevated post-exercise oxygen consumption above resting levels

Answer

EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) refers to the elevated VO2 that persists above resting baseline after exercise ends, reflecting metabolic recovery processes.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM-EP Metabolic Calculations 4