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Exercise Physiology 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.

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  1. The Fick equation for VO2 is best expressed as:

    Answer: VO2 = HR × SV × (CaO2 – CvO2)

    The Fick principle states that VO2 equals cardiac output (HR × SV) multiplied by the arteriovenous oxygen difference (a-vO2 diff).

  2. During maximal aerobic exercise, what is the primary limiting factor for VO2max in most healthy untrained individuals?

    Answer: Cardiac output (oxygen delivery)

    In untrained individuals, maximal cardiac output is the primary limiter of VO2max because it constrains oxygen delivery to working muscles.

  3. Which physiological adaptation primarily explains the reduction in resting heart rate seen after 12 weeks of aerobic training?

    Answer: Enhanced stroke volume allowing lower HR for the same cardiac output

    Training increases stroke volume (via cardiac hypertrophy and increased blood volume), so a lower resting heart rate maintains the required cardiac output.

  4. What is the primary fuel source during low-intensity exercise at 25% of VO2max?

    Answer: Plasma free fatty acids

    At very low exercise intensities, plasma free fatty acids from adipose tissue lipolysis are the dominant energy substrate.

  5. The ventilatory threshold (VT) is identified during a graded exercise test by noting a nonlinear increase in:

    Answer: VCO2 relative to VO2

    VT is detected by a disproportionate rise in VCO2 relative to VO2 (the V-slope method), reflecting buffering of excess lactate by bicarbonate.

  6. Which of the following best describes the role of myoglobin in exercising skeletal muscle?

    Answer: It stores and facilitates intracellular oxygen transport to mitochondria

    Myoglobin stores oxygen within muscle cells and facilitates its diffusion from the sarcolemma to mitochondria during exercise.

  7. Hyperthermia during prolonged exercise in the heat impairs performance primarily by:

    Answer: Competing blood flow demands between skin and active muscles reducing muscle oxygen delivery

    Heat stress causes vasodilation in the skin for cooling while muscles need blood flow, creating competition that reduces muscle perfusion and VO2.