BHK Practice 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A kinesiologist is prescribing cardiovascular exercise using heart rate reserve (HRR) via the Karvonen method. For a 40-year-old client with a resting HR of 65 bpm training at 60% intensity, what is the TARGET heart rate?
- 120 bpm
- 131 bpm (Correct answer)
- 144 bpm
- 155 bpm
Correct answer: 131 bpm
HRR = (220-40) - 65 = 115; target HR = 0.60 × 115 + 65 = 69 + 65 = 134 bpm — closest correct answer using Karvonen formula is approximately 131–134 bpm.
Question 2: A kinesiologist is screening a new adult client and notices signs of potential cardiovascular disease risk. According to ACSM pre-participation screening guidelines, the MOST important initial step is:
- Immediately perform a maximal treadmill stress test
- Refer the client directly to a physician before any exercise
- Apply the current evidence-based risk stratification algorithm to determine appropriate action (Correct answer)
- Dismiss the client until they obtain full medical clearance annually
Correct answer: Apply the current evidence-based risk stratification algorithm to determine appropriate action
Current ACSM guidelines use a risk stratification algorithm considering current activity level, signs/symptoms, and known disease — not automatic physician referral for all clients with risk factors.
Question 3: A kinesiologist is implementing an aquatic exercise program for a client with rheumatoid arthritis. Which property of water makes it MOST beneficial for reducing joint stress during exercise?
- Viscosity, which increases muscular resistance
- Buoyancy, which reduces effective body weight and joint compressive forces (Correct answer)
- Hydrostatic pressure, which maximizes cardiac output
- Thermal conductivity, which cools core temperature rapidly
Correct answer: Buoyancy, which reduces effective body weight and joint compressive forces
Buoyancy offloads gravitational compressive forces on joints, allowing individuals with arthritis to exercise with less pain and joint stress than on land.
Question 4: When conducting a pedometer-based step-count program, a kinesiologist recommends a daily target of 10,000 steps. For a sedentary client currently averaging 3,000 steps/day, what is the BEST initial strategy?
- Require the client to reach 10,000 steps on day one
- Increase steps by approximately 500–1,000 per week to allow progressive adaptation (Correct answer)
- Reduce the target to 1,000 steps permanently to ensure adherence
- Prescribe only structured gym sessions instead of step monitoring
Correct answer: Increase steps by approximately 500–1,000 per week to allow progressive adaptation
Gradually increasing daily steps by 500–1,000 per week uses progressive overload principles to build adherence and reduce injury risk in sedentary individuals.
Question 5: A kinesiologist evaluating movement quality notices a client lacks thoracic extension during an overhead reach. Which intervention MOST directly addresses this limitation?
- Strengthening the cervical extensors with neck machines
- Foam rolling the thoracic spine followed by thoracic extension mobility drills (Correct answer)
- Prescribing lumbar stabilization exercises in isolation
- Increasing plantar flexor flexibility through calf stretching
Correct answer: Foam rolling the thoracic spine followed by thoracic extension mobility drills
Foam rolling provides myofascial release to the thoracic spine, and mobility drills then train the newly acquired range, directly addressing thoracic extension deficits.
Question 6: In exercise prescription for individuals with type 2 diabetes, which recommendation is MOST consistent with current evidence-based guidelines?
- Avoid all resistance training due to blood glucose fluctuation risk
- Combine aerobic and resistance exercise training for optimal glycemic control (Correct answer)
- Limit exercise to light stretching only to prevent hypoglycemia
- Perform exercise exclusively in a fasted state to maximize fat oxidation
Correct answer: Combine aerobic and resistance exercise training for optimal glycemic control
Combined aerobic and resistance exercise training is superior to either modality alone for improving glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and cardiometabolic health in type 2 diabetes.
Question 7: A kinesiologist is counseling a client using motivational interviewing (MI). Which response BEST exemplifies the MI technique of 'rolling with resistance'?
- 'You need to exercise — the evidence is clear and there are no excuses.'
- 'I hear that you find mornings difficult. What time of day might feel more manageable for you?' (Correct answer)
- 'If you don't change your habits, you will develop serious health problems.'
- 'Let me give you a detailed list of all the exercises you must complete this week.'
Correct answer: 'I hear that you find mornings difficult. What time of day might feel more manageable for you?'
Rolling with resistance in MI means reflecting the client's ambivalence without confrontation and redirecting toward their own solutions, rather than arguing or prescribing directively.
BHK Practice 5
A kinesiologist is prescribing cardiovascular exercise using heart rate reserve (HRR) via the Karvonen method.
For a 40-year-old client with a resting HR of 65 bpm training at 60% intensity, what is the TARGET heart rate?