ACSM CPT 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client reports sharp knee pain that worsens going downstairs. Which modification is most appropriate initially?
- Add heavy leg press sets
- Avoid deep knee flexion and impact activities until cleared by a physician (Correct answer)
- Increase running mileage to strengthen the joint
- Perform only jumping exercises
Correct answer: Avoid deep knee flexion and impact activities until cleared by a physician
Sharp joint pain during functional movement is a red flag; the CPT should modify activity and refer to a physician before progressing.
Question 2: Which nutrient provides 9 kcal per gram?
- Carbohydrate
- Protein
- Fat (Correct answer)
- Alcohol
Correct answer: Fat
Dietary fat provides 9 kcal/g, more than twice the caloric density of carbohydrate or protein (4 kcal/g each).
Question 3: During the preparticipation health screening, which condition automatically classifies a client as HIGH risk per ACSM 2015 guidelines?
- BMI of 28
- Presence of known cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease (Correct answer)
- Resting blood pressure of 118/76 mmHg
- Age over 30 with no symptoms
Correct answer: Presence of known cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease
Known cardiovascular, metabolic (e.g., diabetes), or renal disease places a client in the HIGH-risk category regardless of symptoms.
Question 4: Which training variable refers to the total amount of work performed in a session, often calculated as sets × reps × load?
- Intensity
- Frequency
- Volume (Correct answer)
- Density
Correct answer: Volume
Training volume quantifies the overall workload and is commonly expressed as sets × repetitions × resistance.
Question 5: What does RICE stand for in acute injury first aid?
- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (Correct answer)
- Resistance, Ice, Cardio, Endurance
- Rest, Intensity, Circulation, Exercise
- Range, Ice, Contraction, Elevation
Correct answer: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
RICE—Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation—is the standard first-aid protocol for acute musculoskeletal injuries.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of an antagonist muscle pair relationship during a seated row?
- Biceps brachii and triceps brachii
- Rhomboids and pectoralis major (Correct answer)
- Hamstrings and gluteus maximus
- Soleus and gastrocnemius
Correct answer: Rhomboids and pectoralis major
During a seated row, the rhomboids (retractors) are the agonists; the pectoralis major (protractors) is the antagonist.
Question 7: What blood pressure reading is classified as Stage 2 Hypertension by the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines?
- ≥120/80 mmHg
- ≥130/80 mmHg
- ≥140/90 mmHg (Correct answer)
- ≥160/100 mmHg
Correct answer: ≥140/90 mmHg
Stage 2 Hypertension is defined as systolic ≥140 mmHg or diastolic ≥90 mmHg per 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines.
ACSM CPT 3
A client reports sharp knee pain that worsens going downstairs.
Which modification is most appropriate initially?