ACSM Cardiovascular Fitness 4

Question 1

A client performs a 1.5-mile run in 13 minutes. Using the ACSM 1.5-mile run norms, which fitness category does a 35-year-old female fall into?

Accepted Answer

Fair

Answer

For a 35-year-old female, a 1.5-mile run time of approximately 13 minutes places her in the fair fitness category per ACSM normative data.

Question 2

Which training modality most specifically targets improvements in cardiac stroke volume and left ventricular end-diastolic volume?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged moderate-intensity continuous training

Answer

Prolonged aerobic endurance training induces eccentric cardiac hypertrophy, increasing chamber volume and stroke volume through volume loading.

Question 3

During exercise at altitude, which cardiovascular adjustment occurs acutely to maintain oxygen delivery?

Accepted Answer

Increased cardiac output via elevated heart rate

Answer

At altitude, reduced PaO2 triggers an acute increase in heart rate to boost cardiac output and partially compensate for lower arterial oxygen content.

Question 4

For a client with hypertension exercising at moderate intensity, which blood pressure response would warrant immediate exercise cessation?

Accepted Answer

Systolic BP rising to 220 mmHg or diastolic BP exceeding 115 mmHg

Answer

ACSM recommends stopping exercise if systolic BP exceeds 220 mmHg or diastolic BP exceeds 115 mmHg during aerobic activity.

Question 5

Which fuel source predominates during prolonged low-to-moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise (60–70% VO2max)?

Accepted Answer

Fat oxidation with co-contribution from carbohydrate

Answer

At 60–70% VO2max, fat and carbohydrate are both oxidized, with fat providing a significant proportion of energy, especially as duration increases.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Cardiovascular Fitness 4