ACSM Technical Skills & Application 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The YMCA cycle ergometer protocol begins at 150 kgm/min. If a client's heart rate at this stage is below 80 bpm, the next stage is set at:
- 300 kgm/min
- 450 kgm/min
- 600 kgm/min (Correct answer)
- 750 kgm/min
Correct answer: 600 kgm/min
In the YMCA protocol, an HR below 80 bpm at stage 1 (150 kgm/min) directs the technician to set stage 2 at 600 kgm/min.
Question 2: When measuring waist circumference according to ACSM guidelines, the tape measure should be placed:
- At the narrowest point of the torso
- Just above the iliac crest at the end of a normal expiration (Correct answer)
- At the level of the umbilicus
- At the widest point of the abdomen
Correct answer: Just above the iliac crest at the end of a normal expiration
ACSM recommends measuring waist circumference just above the iliac crest at the end of a normal expiration.
Question 3: Which of the following respiratory exchange ratio (RER) values BEST indicates that a client has reached near-maximal effort during a VO2max test?
- 0.85
- 0.90
- 1.00
- 1.10 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 1.10
An RER ≥1.10 indicates heavy anaerobic contribution and is one criterion suggesting a true VO2max has been achieved.
Question 4: A client performs the Rockport 1-Mile Walk Test and completes it in 14:20 with a final HR of 138 bpm. What is the FIRST variable needed to estimate VO2max from this test?
- Body weight in pounds
- Age in years
- Walk time in minutes (Correct answer)
- Resting heart rate
Correct answer: Walk time in minutes
Walk time in minutes is a primary variable in the Rockport equation used to predict VO2max.
Question 5: During resistance training, the Valsalva maneuver is MOST hazardous for which population?
- Trained athletes performing Olympic lifts
- Healthy young adults performing heavy compound exercises
- Older adults with hypertension or cardiovascular disease (Correct answer)
- Recreational lifters performing moderate-intensity training
Correct answer: Older adults with hypertension or cardiovascular disease
The Valsalva maneuver acutely increases intrathoracic pressure and blood pressure, posing significant risk for individuals with hypertension or CVD.
Question 6: Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of the pre-participation health screening before exercise testing?
- Identify individuals who require medical clearance or supervision (Correct answer)
- Determine the client's maximum heart rate
- Classify the client's fitness level
- Establish the client's initial training load
Correct answer: Identify individuals who require medical clearance or supervision
Pre-participation health screening identifies cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal disease risk to determine if medical clearance is needed before testing or training.
Question 7: A trainer notices a client's knees cave inward (valgus collapse) during a squat. Which muscles are MOST likely weak?
- Hip flexors and quadriceps
- Hip abductors and external rotators (Correct answer)
- Hamstrings and calf muscles
- Erector spinae and tibialis anterior
Correct answer: Hip abductors and external rotators
Hip abductor and external rotator weakness allows the femur to adduct and internally rotate, producing knee valgus during the squat.
ACSM Technical Skills & Application 3
The YMCA cycle ergometer protocol begins at 150 kgm/min.
If a client's heart rate at this stage is below 80 bpm, the next stage is set at: