ACSM CPT 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which body composition assessment method uses the principle that lean tissue conducts electrical current more readily than fat tissue?
- Hydrostatic weighing
- Skinfold caliper measurement
- Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) (Correct answer)
- DEXA scan
Correct answer: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
BIA passes a small electrical current through the body; lean (water-rich) tissue conducts current easily while fat tissue resists it, allowing body composition estimation.
Question 2: Which term describes the minimum level of physical activity needed to maintain current fitness without improvement?
- Overload threshold
- Maintenance dose (Correct answer)
- Reversibility point
- Specificity minimum
Correct answer: Maintenance dose
The maintenance dose is the minimum training stimulus required to sustain existing fitness adaptations without additional gains.
Question 3: A client performs a push-up incorrectly with excessive lumbar extension ('sagging hips'). Which muscles are MOST likely underactive?
- Pectoralis major and anterior deltoid
- Transverse abdominis and deep core stabilizers (Correct answer)
- Triceps brachii and serratus anterior
- Upper trapezius and levator scapulae
Correct answer: Transverse abdominis and deep core stabilizers
Hip sag during a push-up typically reflects weakness of the transverse abdominis and deep core stabilizers that maintain neutral spinal alignment.
Question 4: According to ACSM guidelines, what is the recommended moderate-intensity cardiorespiratory exercise goal for adults per week?
- 75 minutes
- 150 minutes (Correct answer)
- 300 minutes
- 60 minutes
Correct answer: 150 minutes
ACSM recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week (or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity) for health benefits.
Question 5: When designing an exercise program for an older adult (65+), which ACSM recommendation is most important to include beyond aerobic and resistance training?
- High-impact plyometrics twice weekly
- Balance and flexibility exercises to reduce fall risk (Correct answer)
- Maximal sprint intervals three times weekly
- Supramaximal training to maintain bone density
Correct answer: Balance and flexibility exercises to reduce fall risk
ACSM specifically recommends balance training for older adults to reduce fall risk, which is a leading cause of injury and mortality in this population.
Question 6: Which of the following is a sign that a client may be experiencing rhabdomyolysis and requires immediate medical referral?
- Mild muscle soreness 24–48 hours post-workout
- Dark (cola-colored) urine with severe muscle pain and swelling (Correct answer)
- Elevated heart rate during exercise
- Mild fatigue at the end of a session
Correct answer: Dark (cola-colored) urine with severe muscle pain and swelling
Rhabdomyolysis causes myoglobin release into the bloodstream, leading to dark urine, severe muscle pain, and potentially dangerous kidney damage requiring emergency care.
Question 7: Which term describes the ACSM concept that exercise adaptations are specific to the type, speed, and pattern of training performed?
- Progressive overload
- Specificity (SAID principle) (Correct answer)
- Reversibility
- Variation
Correct answer: Specificity (SAID principle)
The SAID principle (Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands) states that the body adapts specifically to the type and manner of stress applied during training.
ACSM CPT 5
Which body composition assessment method uses the principle that lean tissue conducts electrical current more readily than fat tissue?