Special Populations Flashcards

An older adult client demonstrates a score of 22 seconds on the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. How should this result influence the exercise program?

Answer: Prioritize balance, gait, and fall-prevention exercises due to elevated fall risk

A TUG score above 12–13.5 seconds in older adults indicates elevated fall risk, warranting emphasis on balance, gait training, and fall-prevention strategies.

Which absolute contraindication to exercise during pregnancy is identified by ACSM?

Answer: Placenta previa after 26 weeks of gestation

Placenta previa after 26 weeks is an absolute contraindication to exercise during pregnancy because it poses a risk of severe hemorrhage with physical activity.

What is the primary mechanism by which regular aerobic exercise benefits individuals with depression?

Answer: Promotes neurogenesis and increases monoamine neurotransmitter availability

Exercise promotes neurogenesis (particularly in the hippocampus) and increases availability of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are key mechanisms underlying antidepressant effects.

A client with multiple sclerosis (MS) reports significant fatigue after exercise in warm environments. What strategy best addresses this?

Answer: Schedule exercise in cool environments and use cooling vests or cold-water immersion pre-exercise

Uhthoff's phenomenon in MS causes temporary worsening of symptoms with heat; cooling strategies and cool exercise environments significantly reduce exercise-associated fatigue and symptom exacerbation.

For a client with hypertension who is beginning a resistance training program, which set-and-rep scheme is most appropriate initially?

Answer: Moderate loads (60–70% 1RM), 10–15 repetitions, avoiding breath-holding

Moderate loads with higher repetitions and continuous breathing minimize excessive blood pressure spikes while providing sufficient training stimulus for hypertensive clients.

When designing an exercise program for a child (age 10) who is overweight, which approach aligns with ACSM pediatric guidelines?

Answer: Emphasize enjoyable, play-based physical activity accumulating 60 minutes daily

ACSM and pediatric guidelines emphasize enjoyable, play-based activities accumulating at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily for children, prioritizing long-term physical activity habits.

Which physiological change associated with aging most directly reduces maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) in older adults?

Answer: Reduction in maximal heart rate and stroke volume

Aging causes a decline in maximal heart rate (approximately 1 bpm/year) and reduced stroke volume due to decreased cardiac compliance, both of which directly lower VO2max.