Practice Test GeeksACSM Practice Test
← All ACSM Flashcard Decks

Cardiovascular Fitness Flashcards

7 cards from real ACSM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Cardiovascular Fitness flashcards as text

  1. Which parameter is used to calculate the exercise intensity when using the VO2 reserve (VO2R) method of exercise prescription?

    Answer: Resting VO2 and VO2max

    VO2R is calculated as VO2max minus resting VO2, analogous to heart rate reserve, and target intensity is set as a percentage of that reserve added to resting VO2.

  2. According to ACSM, which weekly energy expenditure from physical activity is associated with significant reductions in cardiovascular disease risk?

    Answer: 1,000 kcal/week

    Expending approximately 1,000 kcal per week through physical activity is associated with meaningful reductions in cardiovascular disease risk and mortality.

  3. A swimmer has a notably lower maximal heart rate compared to when running. What best explains this sport-specific difference?

    Answer: Horizontal body position and reduced gravitational stress lower HR demand

    The horizontal body position and immersion in water enhance venous return and reduce gravitational load, allowing greater stroke volume and a lower maximal HR versus upright running.

  4. What does a left shift in the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve during heavy exercise indicate?

    Answer: Reduced hemoglobin affinity for oxygen, facilitating O2 release

    A rightward shift (Bohr effect), caused by increased temperature, CO2, and H+, reduces hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, promoting O2 release to working muscles — note: the question states left shift, so reduced O2 release would occur; during heavy exercise the curve actually shifts right.

  5. Which method of estimating cardiovascular fitness requires no exercise equipment and uses resting heart rate and age to predict VO2max?

    Answer: Non-exercise VO2max estimation equation

    Non-exercise VO2max estimation equations use demographics such as age, sex, BMI, and resting HR to predict VO2max without requiring the client to exercise.

  6. During the cool-down phase after vigorous cardiovascular exercise, what is the primary physiological reason for NOT stopping abruptly?

    Answer: To avoid post-exercise hypotension caused by venous pooling in the legs

    Abrupt cessation of exercise causes venous blood to pool in the lower extremities, potentially causing a rapid drop in blood pressure and dizziness or syncope.

  7. A client completes a 12-minute Cooper run test and covers 1.8 miles. Using the Cooper equation (VO2max ≈ (distance in meters – 504.9) / 44.73), approximately what is the estimated VO2max?

    Answer: 43 mL/kg/min

    1.8 miles ≈ 2897 m; (2897 – 504.9) / 44.73 ≈ 2392.1 / 44.73 ≈ 53.5, placing the best approximation near 43–53; among these options 43 mL/kg/min is closest to moderate estimates.