ACSM Special Populations 3

Question 1

An older adult client demonstrates a score of 22 seconds on the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. How should this result influence the exercise program?

Accepted Answer

Prioritize balance, gait, and fall-prevention exercises due to elevated fall risk

Answer

A TUG score above 12–13.5 seconds in older adults indicates elevated fall risk, warranting emphasis on balance, gait training, and fall-prevention strategies.

Question 2

Which absolute contraindication to exercise during pregnancy is identified by ACSM?

Accepted Answer

Placenta previa after 26 weeks of gestation

Answer

Placenta previa after 26 weeks is an absolute contraindication to exercise during pregnancy because it poses a risk of severe hemorrhage with physical activity.

Question 3

What is the primary mechanism by which regular aerobic exercise benefits individuals with depression?

Accepted Answer

Promotes neurogenesis and increases monoamine neurotransmitter availability

Answer

Exercise promotes neurogenesis (particularly in the hippocampus) and increases availability of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are key mechanisms underlying antidepressant effects.

Question 4

A client with multiple sclerosis (MS) reports significant fatigue after exercise in warm environments. What strategy best addresses this?

Accepted Answer

Schedule exercise in cool environments and use cooling vests or cold-water immersion pre-exercise

Answer

Uhthoff's phenomenon in MS causes temporary worsening of symptoms with heat; cooling strategies and cool exercise environments significantly reduce exercise-associated fatigue and symptom exacerbation.

Question 5

For a client with hypertension who is beginning a resistance training program, which set-and-rep scheme is most appropriate initially?

Accepted Answer

Moderate loads (60–70% 1RM), 10–15 repetitions, avoiding breath-holding

Answer

Moderate loads with higher repetitions and continuous breathing minimize excessive blood pressure spikes while providing sufficient training stimulus for hypertensive clients.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Special Populations 3