ACSM Technical Skills & Application 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client's resting ECG shows a PR interval of 0.24 seconds. Which condition does this indicate?
- First-degree AV block (Correct answer)
- Second-degree AV block (Mobitz I)
- Third-degree AV block
- Bundle branch block
Correct answer: First-degree AV block
A PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds indicates first-degree AV block, which is a delayed but consistent conduction.
Question 2: When performing a 1-RM bench press assessment, which of the following best describes proper spotting technique?
- Stand behind the bench with hands under the barbell at all times
- Provide assistance only when the bar velocity slows significantly or stops (Correct answer)
- Maintain hands on the bar throughout the entire lift
- Stand to the side of the lifter for better leverage
Correct answer: Provide assistance only when the bar velocity slows significantly or stops
Proper spotting involves intervening only when the lift fails (bar stops or reverses), allowing the client to complete the lift independently.
Question 3: Which skinfold site is measured at the midaxillary line at the level of the xiphoid process?
- Suprailiac
- Midaxillary (Correct answer)
- Abdominal
- Subscapular
Correct answer: Midaxillary
The midaxillary skinfold is taken horizontally at the midaxillary line level with the xiphoid process of the sternum.
Question 4: During a graded exercise test, a client's systolic BP drops 10 mmHg from peak value despite increasing workload. The MOST appropriate action is to:
- Reduce workload by one stage and continue
- Terminate the test immediately (Correct answer)
- Continue the test and monitor closely
- Administer nitroglycerin and continue
Correct answer: Terminate the test immediately
Exertional hypotension (SBP drop ≥10 mmHg from peak with increasing workload) is an absolute indication to terminate the GXT.
Question 5: A personal trainer is conducting a push-up test. The client is a 35-year-old male who completes 28 push-ups. This performance is classified as:
- Poor
- Fair
- Good (Correct answer)
- Excellent
Correct answer: Good
For males aged 35–39, 28 push-ups falls within the 'Good' category according to ACSM normative data.
Question 6: Which of the following equipment calibration checks should be performed BEFORE each graded exercise test?
- Replace ECG electrodes and disposable cables
- Verify treadmill speed and grade accuracy with a calibration device (Correct answer)
- Replace the mouthpiece on the metabolic cart
- Check that the cycle ergometer seat is at default height
Correct answer: Verify treadmill speed and grade accuracy with a calibration device
Treadmill speed and grade calibration must be verified before each GXT to ensure accurate workload delivery and valid test results.
Question 7: A client complains of dizziness immediately after stopping a maximal treadmill test. The FIRST action the exercise professional should take is:
- Have the client lie supine immediately
- Keep the client walking slowly on the treadmill or have them sit (Correct answer)
- Administer oxygen via face mask
- Call emergency medical services
Correct answer: Keep the client walking slowly on the treadmill or have them sit
Post-exercise hypotension and dizziness are managed by keeping blood moving via slow walking or sitting to prevent venous pooling.
ACSM Technical Skills & Application 2
A client's resting ECG shows a PR interval of 0.24 seconds.
Which condition does this indicate?