ACSM Technical Skills & Application 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The metabolic equivalent (MET) value of 1.0 represents:
- Resting oxygen consumption of approximately 3.5 mL/kg/min (Correct answer)
- Oxygen consumption during light walking at 2.0 mph
- Maximum oxygen uptake in untrained adults
- Oxygen consumption during sleep
Correct answer: Resting oxygen consumption of approximately 3.5 mL/kg/min
1 MET equals the resting metabolic rate, standardized at 3.5 mL O2/kg/min.
Question 2: A client's DEXA scan reports a body fat of 32% with a body weight of 180 lbs. What is the client's fat-free mass?
- 57.6 lbs
- 122.4 lbs (Correct answer)
- 134.4 lbs
- 148.2 lbs
Correct answer: 122.4 lbs
Fat mass = 32% × 180 = 57.6 lbs; fat-free mass = 180 − 57.6 = 122.4 lbs.
Question 3: When using the ACSM leg press VO2 equation, which of the following represents the external work component?
- Horizontal speed × 0.1
- Vertical component = grade × speed × 1.8
- Power output (watts) × 10.8 / body mass
- Resistance (kgm/min) × 1.8 / body mass (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Resistance (kgm/min) × 1.8 / body mass
For cycle ergometry, the VO2 equation uses resistance work component = (kgm/min × 1.8) / body mass in kg.
Question 4: Which skinfold measurement site uses a DIAGONAL fold taken just below the inferior angle of the scapula?
- Midaxillary
- Suprailiac
- Subscapular (Correct answer)
- Chest
Correct answer: Subscapular
The subscapular skinfold is taken at a 45-degree diagonal angle just below the inferior angle of the scapula.
Question 5: A client has a resting HR of 60 bpm and a maximal HR of 185 bpm. Using the Karvonen method, what is the target HR for 70% intensity?
- 129.5 bpm
- 147.5 bpm (Correct answer)
- 155.0 bpm
- 162.0 bpm
Correct answer: 147.5 bpm
HRR = 185 − 60 = 125; target HR = (125 × 0.70) + 60 = 87.5 + 60 = 147.5 bpm.
Question 6: During a Bruce treadmill protocol, Stage 3 is completed at 3.4 mph and 14% grade. Using the ACSM running equation, what is the approximate VO2 at this stage?
- 28 mL/kg/min
- 35 mL/kg/min
- 42 mL/kg/min (Correct answer)
- 50 mL/kg/min
Correct answer: 42 mL/kg/min
Stage 3 of the Bruce protocol (3.4 mph, 14% grade) corresponds to approximately 42 mL/kg/min using the ACSM running equation.
Question 7: A client performs a maximal hand grip strength test. Results show 38 kg for the dominant hand. This measurement primarily assesses:
- Muscular endurance
- Muscular power
- Muscular strength as an index of overall upper body strength (Correct answer)
- Neuromuscular coordination
Correct answer: Muscular strength as an index of overall upper body strength
Grip strength is used as a practical indicator of overall upper body muscular strength and is correlated with functional capacity.
ACSM Technical Skills & Application 4
The metabolic equivalent (MET) value of 1.0 represents: