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Exercise Testing & Prescription 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 Exercise Testing & Prescription flashcards as text

  1. A client with type 2 diabetes wishes to begin a vigorous aerobic program. Beyond standard pre-participation screening, the EP should specifically monitor for:

    Answer: Hypoglycemia and peripheral neuropathy-related foot injuries

    People with T2D are at risk for exercise-induced hypoglycemia (especially if on insulin/secretagogues) and foot injuries due to peripheral neuropathy reducing protective sensation.

  2. Which parameter is calculated by dividing oxygen consumption by the work rate (W) and represents the mechanical efficiency of the cardiovascular-pulmonary system?

    Answer: O2 pulse (VO2/HR)

    O2 pulse (VO2 ÷ HR) reflects stroke volume × arteriovenous O2 difference and is a surrogate for cardiac stroke volume during exercise testing.

  3. A 40-year-old female client has a resting BP of 138/88 mmHg. According to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines adopted by ACSM, she is classified as:

    Answer: Stage 1 hypertension

    Under the 2017 ACC/AHA classification, a BP of 130–139/80–89 mmHg is Stage 1 hypertension; 138/88 falls squarely in this category.

  4. During maximal exercise testing, the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) value that typically confirms maximal effort has been achieved is:

    Answer: ≥ 1.10

    An RER ≥ 1.10 at peak exercise is a strong indicator of maximal effort, as excess CO2 production from bicarbonate buffering drives RER above 1.0.

  5. For a client performing aquatic exercise, which adjustment should the EP make when prescribing intensity using heart rate?

    Answer: Subtract 10–17 bpm from land-based targets due to hydrostatic pressure and cooling

    Aquatic exercise HR is typically 10–17 bpm lower than equivalent land-based exercise due to hydrostatic pressure increasing venous return, horizontal position, and water's cooling effect.

  6. The ACSM recommends that neuromotor (functional fitness) exercise be performed on how many days per week for older adults?

    Answer: 2–3 days/week

    ACSM recommends neuromotor/functional fitness exercises (balance, agility, coordination, proprioception) ≥2–3 days/week for older adults.

  7. During a graded exercise test, ST-segment depression is most clinically significant when it is:

    Answer: Horizontal or downsloping and ≥ 1 mm at 60–80 ms post J-point

    Horizontal or downsloping ST depression ≥1 mm measured 60–80 ms after the J-point is the classic positive ischemic response during GXT.