CPSS Performance and Wellness 2

Question 1

Which heart rate variability (HRV) metric is most commonly used to assess parasympathetic nervous system activity and readiness to train?

Accepted Answer

RMSSD

Answer

RMSSD (root mean square of successive differences) is the most sensitive HRV metric for parasympathetic activity and is widely used as a daily readiness marker.

Question 2

An athlete reports persistent fatigue, decreased motivation, and mood disturbances despite adequate sleep. Which wellness screening tool is best suited to track these psychological symptoms over time?

Accepted Answer

Profile of Mood States (POMS)

Answer

The Profile of Mood States (POMS) measures six affective states and is validated for detecting mood disturbances associated with overtraining in athletes.

Question 3

What is the primary physiological mechanism by which chronic sleep restriction impairs athletic recovery?

Accepted Answer

Elevated cortisol and reduced growth hormone secretion

Answer

Chronic sleep restriction elevates cortisol and suppresses nocturnal growth hormone release, impairing muscle repair and anabolic recovery processes.

Question 4

A sport scientist wants to monitor an athlete's cumulative training load using the Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR). What ratio range is generally considered the 'sweet spot' associated with low injury risk?

Accepted Answer

0.8–1.3

Answer

An ACWR between 0.8 and 1.3 is associated with low injury risk, reflecting a well-prepared athlete with manageable acute stress relative to chronic fitness.

Question 5

Which biomarker, when chronically elevated in blood, is most indicative of non-functional overreaching in endurance athletes?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol-to-testosterone ratio

Answer

A chronically elevated cortisol-to-testosterone ratio indicates a catabolic state and is one of the strongest hormonal markers of non-functional overreaching.

CPSS - Certified Performance and Sport Scientist Practice Test

CPSS - Certified Performance and Sport Scientist Practice Test

CPSS Performance and Wellness 2