ACSM Exercise Science Practice Questions

Question 1

Which energy system predominates during a 400-meter sprint lasting approximately 50-60 seconds?

Accepted Answer

Anaerobic glycolysis

Answer

Anaerobic glycolysis is the primary energy system for high-intensity efforts lasting 30–120 seconds, such as a 400-meter sprint.

Question 2

What is the primary role of the Golgi tendon organ (GTO) during muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Inhibit excessive muscle tension

Answer

The GTO detects high tension in tendons and triggers autogenic inhibition to protect muscles and tendons from excessive force.

Question 3

During aerobic exercise, what happens to arteriovenous oxygen difference (a-vO2 diff) as intensity increases?

Accepted Answer

It increases

Answer

As exercise intensity increases, working muscles extract more oxygen, widening the a-vO2 difference.

Question 4

Which muscle fiber type has the highest oxidative capacity and is most resistant to fatigue?

Accepted Answer

Type I

Answer

Type I (slow-twitch) fibers are densely packed with mitochondria and myoglobin, making them highly oxidative and fatigue-resistant.

Question 5

What is the typical respiratory exchange ratio (RER) value that indicates predominant fat oxidation at rest?

Accepted Answer

0.70

Answer

An RER of approximately 0.70 indicates that fat is the primary fuel source, reflecting the VCO2/VO2 ratio of fatty acid oxidation.

ACSM Practice Test