ACSM Sports Performance Coaching 5

Question 1

Which assessment BEST quantifies an athlete's anaerobic power capacity over 30 seconds?

Accepted Answer

Wingate Anaerobic Test

Answer

The Wingate test measures peak power, mean power, and fatigue index during a 30-second all-out cycling effort, directly quantifying anaerobic power.

Question 2

A performance coach prescribes 'heavy-light contrast training' (PAP protocols). The PRIMARY physiological mechanism intended is:

Accepted Answer

Post-activation potentiation enhancing subsequent explosive performance

Answer

Post-activation potentiation (PAP) from a heavy compound exercise acutely enhances motor unit recruitment and twitch force in subsequent explosive movements.

Question 3

According to ACSM, which factor has the GREATEST influence on an endurance athlete's race performance among similarly trained athletes?

Accepted Answer

Lactate threshold velocity

Answer

Lactate threshold velocity is the strongest predictor of endurance race performance among athletes with similar VO2max values.

Question 4

A performance coach wants to reduce an athlete's risk of non-contact ACL injury. Which neuromuscular training element has the STRONGEST evidence base?

Accepted Answer

Landing mechanics and knee alignment correction through jump-landing programs

Answer

Evidence-based ACL injury prevention programs (e.g., PEP, FIFA 11+) focus on correcting faulty landing mechanics and improving knee-over-toe alignment.

Question 5

When calculating the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) for injury risk management, a ratio above 1.5 indicates:

Accepted Answer

Spike in training load associated with elevated injury risk

Answer

An ACWR above 1.5 represents a load spike significantly exceeding the athlete's chronic training base, which is associated with increased soft tissue injury risk.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Sports Performance Coaching 5