ACSM CPT 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which assessment is most appropriate for measuring a client's muscular endurance of the core?
- One-rep maximum back squat
- McGill Torso Muscular Endurance Test Battery (Correct answer)
- Vertical jump test
- Sit-and-reach test
Correct answer: McGill Torso Muscular Endurance Test Battery
The McGill Torso Muscular Endurance Test Battery (trunk flexor, extensor, and lateral endurance tests) specifically measures core muscular endurance.
Question 2: A client wants to lose body fat. Which macronutrient strategy is most supported by ACSM evidence for preserving lean mass during a caloric deficit?
- Very low fat intake (≤10% of calories)
- High protein intake (1.6–2.4 g/kg body weight) (Correct answer)
- High carbohydrate intake to fuel workouts only
- Equal distribution of all macronutrients
Correct answer: High protein intake (1.6–2.4 g/kg body weight)
Higher protein intakes (1.6–2.4 g/kg) during caloric restriction help preserve lean muscle mass while promoting fat loss.
Question 3: What does RPE stand for, and what scale is most commonly used?
- Rate of Physical Effort, 0–20 scale
- Rating of Perceived Exertion, Borg 6–20 scale (Correct answer)
- Rate of Perceived Energy, 1–10 scale
- Rating of Physical Endurance, Borg 0–10 scale
Correct answer: Rating of Perceived Exertion, Borg 6–20 scale
RPE stands for Rating of Perceived Exertion; the Borg 6–20 scale is the original and most widely used version in clinical and fitness settings.
Question 4: During aerobic exercise, cardiac output increases primarily through increases in which variable?
- Blood viscosity
- Total peripheral resistance
- Heart rate and stroke volume (Correct answer)
- Diastolic blood pressure
Correct answer: Heart rate and stroke volume
Cardiac output = heart rate × stroke volume; both increase during aerobic exercise to meet elevated oxygen demand.
Question 5: Which of the following stretching techniques involves alternating contraction and relaxation to improve flexibility via autogenic inhibition?
- Static stretching
- Ballistic stretching
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) (Correct answer)
- Dynamic stretching
Correct answer: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
PNF techniques (e.g., contract-relax) use muscle contraction followed by relaxation to exploit autogenic inhibition for greater flexibility gains.
Question 6: A new client's PAR-Q response is positive (answered 'yes' to one question). What is the ACSM-recommended next step?
- Begin training immediately at low intensity
- Obtain medical clearance before beginning an exercise program (Correct answer)
- Administer a maximal stress test
- Proceed only with flexibility exercises
Correct answer: Obtain medical clearance before beginning an exercise program
A positive PAR-Q indicates the client should obtain written medical clearance from a physician before starting or changing their exercise program.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes periodization in program design?
- Performing the same workout every day for consistency
- Systematically varying training variables over planned time cycles to optimize performance and recovery (Correct answer)
- Increasing weight by 5 lb every session indefinitely
- Alternating between cardio and resistance training each week randomly
Correct answer: Systematically varying training variables over planned time cycles to optimize performance and recovery
Periodization involves planned variation of volume, intensity, and exercise selection across micro-, meso-, and macrocycles to maximize adaptation and prevent overtraining.
ACSM CPT 4
Which assessment is most appropriate for measuring a client's muscular endurance of the core?