ACSM Special Populations 4

Question 1

A client with fibromyalgia reports increased pain following their first exercise session. What is the most appropriate ACSM-guided response?

Accepted Answer

Reduce exercise intensity and duration, then progress very gradually

Answer

Post-exertional pain flares are common when beginning exercise with fibromyalgia; the recommended approach is to reduce intensity and duration, then progress very gradually to build tolerance.

Question 2

Which exercise modality provides the greatest benefit for bone mineral density in postmenopausal women?

Accepted Answer

Weight-bearing and resistance exercise

Answer

Weight-bearing aerobic activities (walking, jogging) and resistance training apply mechanical stress to bones, stimulating osteoblast activity and helping maintain or improve bone mineral density.

Question 3

A client with Parkinson's disease exhibits shuffling gait and stooped posture. Which exercise type is most specifically indicated to address these impairments?

Accepted Answer

Treadmill training with auditory or visual cueing and postural exercises

Answer

Treadmill training with external rhythmic cues (auditory or visual) directly addresses the gait impairments of Parkinson's disease, while postural exercises address the characteristic flexed posture.

Question 4

When working with a client who has metabolic syndrome, which combination of exercise types is most effective according to ACSM recommendations?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic exercise plus resistance training in combination

Answer

ACSM recommends a combination of aerobic and resistance training for metabolic syndrome, as each modality addresses different components (glucose regulation, lipids, blood pressure, body composition).

Question 5

A client with peripheral artery disease (PAD) reports claudication pain at 200 meters of walking. What is the most effective exercise prescription for this client?

Accepted Answer

Intermittent walking to near-maximal claudication pain, rest, then repeat

Answer

Supervised intermittent walking to near-maximal claudication pain followed by rest is the gold-standard exercise therapy for PAD, promoting collateral circulation and increasing pain-free walking distance.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Special Populations 4