ACSM CPT 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which muscle action occurs when the muscle lengthens while producing force against resistance?
- Concentric
- Isometric
- Eccentric (Correct answer)
- Isotonic
Correct answer: Eccentric
Eccentric muscle action occurs when the muscle produces force while lengthening, such as lowering a weight under control.
Question 2: According to ACSM, what is the recommended minimum frequency of resistance training for general health for most adults?
- 1 day per week
- 2 days per week (Correct answer)
- 4 days per week
- 6 days per week
Correct answer: 2 days per week
ACSM recommends resistance training at least 2 days per week for each major muscle group for general health benefits.
Question 3: A client's resting heart rate is 62 bpm. Using the Karvonen formula and an HRmax of 185 bpm, what is their heart rate reserve (HRR)?
- 123 bpm (Correct answer)
- 113 bpm
- 247 bpm
- 130 bpm
Correct answer: 123 bpm
HRR = HRmax − Resting HR = 185 − 62 = 123 bpm.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the principle of progressive overload?
- Rotating exercises every session to prevent adaptation
- Gradually increasing training stimulus to continue eliciting adaptations (Correct answer)
- Training all muscle groups equally in one session
- Reducing volume over time to allow supercompensation
Correct answer: Gradually increasing training stimulus to continue eliciting adaptations
Progressive overload requires systematically increasing training demand (load, volume, or intensity) to drive continued physiological adaptation.
Question 5: Which anatomical term describes a movement that decreases the angle at a joint?
- Extension
- Abduction
- Flexion (Correct answer)
- Rotation
Correct answer: Flexion
Flexion decreases the angle between body segments at a joint, such as bending the elbow.
Question 6: Which energy system predominates during a 10-second maximal sprint?
- Oxidative phosphorylation
- Glycolytic system
- Phosphocreatine (ATP-PCr) system (Correct answer)
- Beta-oxidation
Correct answer: Phosphocreatine (ATP-PCr) system
The ATP-PCr system supplies immediate, high-power energy for activities lasting up to ~10 seconds.
Question 7: When performing the YMCA 3-Minute Step Test, the heart rate is measured how long after completion?
- Immediately at completion (Correct answer)
- 1 minute after completion
- 5 minutes after completion
- During the last 30 seconds
Correct answer: Immediately at completion
Heart rate is taken immediately upon completion of the YMCA 3-Minute Step Test, beginning within 5 seconds of stopping.
ACSM CPT 2
Which muscle action occurs when the muscle lengthens while producing force against resistance?