ACSM-EP Metabolic Calculations 5

Question 1

A 75 kg athlete completes a 6-minute walk test and achieves an estimated VO2 of 22 mL/kg/min. How many kilocalories per minute is he expending?

Accepted Answer

7.9 kcal/min

Answer

Absolute VO2 = 22 × 75 = 1650 mL/min = 1.65 L/min; kcal/min ≈ 1.65 × 5 = 8.25 ≈ closest 7.9 kcal/min using 4.8–5.0 kcal/L.

Question 2

When prescribing exercise using the VO2 reserve (VO2R) method, which formula is used to calculate target VO2?

Accepted Answer

Target VO2 = %intensity × (VO2max − VO2rest) + VO2rest

Answer

The VO2R method mirrors the Karvonen HRR formula: target VO2 = intensity% × (VO2max − VO2rest) + VO2rest.

Question 3

Which ACSM metabolic equation is most appropriate for a client walking at 1.5 mph (40.2 m/min)?

Accepted Answer

Walking equation

Answer

The ACSM walking equation is valid for speeds of 50–100 m/min; although 40.2 m/min is slightly below this range, it remains the most appropriate equation for walking-pace activity.

Question 4

A subject's RER rises from 0.82 at rest to 1.10 during maximal exercise. What does an RER above 1.0 during exercise indicate?

Accepted Answer

Hyperventilation and bicarbonate buffering of lactic acid

Answer

RER > 1.0 reflects CO2 released from bicarbonate buffering of accumulated lactic acid, plus hyperventilation, not from metabolism alone.

Question 5

A 68 kg person expends 420 kcal during a 60-minute cycling session. What was the average absolute VO2 (L/min) during the session?

Accepted Answer

1.4 L/min

Answer

420 kcal / 60 min = 7 kcal/min; VO2 (L/min) = 7 / 5 = 1.4 L/min (using ~5 kcal per liter of O2).

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM-EP Metabolic Calculations 5