CPSS - Certified Performance and Sport Scientist Training Theory and Periodization Questions and Answers

Question 1

An athlete is in the third week of a strength-focused mesocycle.
They report persistent fatigue, elevated resting heart rate, and a noticeable decrease in lifting performance.
According to Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which stage is this athlete most likely experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Exhaustion

Answer

Alarm Reaction

Answer

Resistance Development

Answer

Supercompensation

Question 2

A performance coach is designing a 12-week training program for a collegiate soccer player in the off-season. The program is structured as follows: Weeks 1-4 focus on hypertrophy (3x10-12 reps), Weeks 5-8 focus on maximal strength (4x4-6 reps), and Weeks 9-12 focus on power (5x2-3 reps). This is a classic example of which periodization model?

Accepted Answer

Linear Periodization

Answer

Undulating Periodization

Answer

Block Periodization

Answer

Reverse Linear Periodization

Question 3

Which of the following describes the supercompensation principle?

Accepted Answer

A period following recovery where the trained function has a higher performance capacity than before the training stimulus.

Answer

The gradual increase of stress placed upon the body during training.

Answer

The body's predictable three-stage response to a new stressor: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Answer

The division of a training year into smaller, more manageable phases of training.

Question 4

A strength and conditioning coach for a basketball team has their athletes perform a high-volume, low-intensity workout on Monday, a high-intensity, low-volume power workout on Wednesday, and a moderate-intensity, moderate-volume strength workout on Friday. This approach, which involves frequent variations in volume and intensity within a microcycle, is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Undulating Periodization

Answer

Linear Periodization

Answer

Block Periodization

Answer

Traditional Periodization

Question 5

In a periodized training plan, which component represents the longest duration and provides the overall structure for the training year?

Accepted Answer

Macrocycle

Answer

Microcycle

Answer

Training Session

Answer

Mesocycle

Question 6

A coach is working with an advanced kayaker in the preparatory period. The coach designs a 4-week mesocycle focused almost exclusively on developing maximal strength, followed by a 3-week mesocycle dedicated to converting that strength into sport-specific power. This model, which concentrates on one primary adaptation at a time in sequential phases, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Block Periodization

Answer

General Adaptation Syndrome

Answer

Undulating Periodization

Answer

Linear Periodization