ACSM Technical Skills & Application 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The sit-and-reach test is a field measure of flexibility for which muscle group PRIMARILY?
- Hip flexors and quadriceps
- Hamstrings and lower back (Correct answer)
- Gluteus maximus and piriformis
- Gastrocnemius and soleus
Correct answer: Hamstrings and lower back
The sit-and-reach test primarily assesses the flexibility of the hamstrings and lower back musculature.
Question 2: Which of the following is a RELATIVE contraindication to maximal exercise testing?
- Acute myocardial infarction within the past 2 days
- Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis
- Left main coronary artery stenosis
- Resting heart rate greater than 100 bpm with unknown cause (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Resting heart rate greater than 100 bpm with unknown cause
Resting tachycardia of unknown etiology is a relative contraindication that warrants further investigation but does not absolutely prevent testing.
Question 3: When measuring blood pressure, the cuff should be inflated to approximately how many mmHg above the point where the radial pulse disappears?
- 10 mmHg
- 20 mmHg
- 30 mmHg (Correct answer)
- 40 mmHg
Correct answer: 30 mmHg
The cuff should be inflated 20–30 mmHg above the point where the radial pulse disappears to ensure occlusion of the brachial artery.
Question 4: A trainer uses a Polar heart rate monitor during a client's submaximal VO2 test. The GREATEST potential source of error in estimating VO2max via this method is:
- Incorrect electrode placement on the monitor
- Individual variability in the HR-VO2 relationship (Correct answer)
- Inaccurate treadmill calibration
- Client not wearing the chest strap tightly enough
Correct answer: Individual variability in the HR-VO2 relationship
Submaximal prediction of VO2max assumes a linear HR-VO2 relationship, which varies considerably among individuals and is the primary source of error.
Question 5: Which of the following BEST describes the principle of specificity when designing a training program?
- Training adaptations are specific to the muscle actions, energy systems, and movement patterns used in training (Correct answer)
- Training frequency must match the competition schedule
- Higher training volumes always produce greater adaptation
- Rest periods should equal the duration of each work bout
Correct answer: Training adaptations are specific to the muscle actions, energy systems, and movement patterns used in training
The specificity principle (SAID) states that physiological adaptations are specific to the type, intensity, and mode of exercise performed.
Question 6: A 50-year-old female client with no known CVD has a resting BP of 148/92 mmHg and a fasting glucose of 104 mg/dL. According to ACSM risk stratification, she is classified as:
- Low risk
- Moderate risk (Correct answer)
- High risk
- Very high risk
Correct answer: Moderate risk
Two cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension stage 1 and impaired fasting glucose) place this client in the moderate-risk category.
Question 7: During a cycle ergometer test, the pedal rate is maintained at 50 rpm and the resistance is set at 2 kp. What is the power output in watts?
- 50 W
- 75 W
- 100 W (Correct answer)
- 150 W
Correct answer: 100 W
Power (W) = force (kp) × distance per revolution (6 m) × rpm / 6.12 ≈ 2 × 6 × 50 / 6 = 100 W.
ACSM Technical Skills & Application 5
The sit-and-reach test is a field measure of flexibility for which muscle group PRIMARILY?