FITCO Cardiovascular Fitness 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During the FITCO shuttle run, what is the consequence of failing to reach the line before the beep THREE consecutive times?
- The candidate receives a warning only
- The candidate's test is terminated (Correct answer)
- The candidate is given a 30-second rest
- The candidate is moved to the next level automatically
Correct answer: The candidate's test is terminated
In the standard beep test protocol, failing to reach the line in time on two or three consecutive occasions (depending on protocol) results in test termination.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes 'cardiac output' and its relevance to FITCO cardiovascular performance?
- The maximum weight the heart can lift
- The total volume of blood the heart pumps per minute (Correct answer)
- The number of calories burned per heartbeat
- The electrical signal speed of the heart
Correct answer: The total volume of blood the heart pumps per minute
Cardiac output (heart rate × stroke volume) determines how much oxygenated blood is delivered to working muscles, directly limiting aerobic performance.
Question 3: A candidate preparing for FITCO notices that after long shifts, they feel less winded climbing stairs. This is MOST likely due to:
- Decreased muscle mass
- Improved cardiovascular efficiency from regular occupational activity (Correct answer)
- Higher resting blood pressure
- Reduced hemoglobin levels
Correct answer: Improved cardiovascular efficiency from regular occupational activity
Regular sustained physical activity improves the cardiovascular system's efficiency, increasing oxygen extraction and cardiac output during submaximal tasks.
Question 4: What is the PRIMARY purpose of including a cardiovascular fitness standard in the FITCO assessment?
- To ensure candidates can win athletic competitions
- To predict a candidate's ability to perform sustained physically demanding correctional duties safely (Correct answer)
- To measure maximum bench press capability
- To evaluate swimming ability
Correct answer: To predict a candidate's ability to perform sustained physically demanding correctional duties safely
The cardiovascular standard ensures candidates have the aerobic capacity to safely perform sustained occupational tasks such as foot pursuits, restraints, and emergency responses.
Question 5: Which heart rate zone (as a percentage of maximum heart rate) best represents moderate aerobic training intensity for building a cardiovascular base?
- 30–40% HRmax
- 55–70% HRmax (Correct answer)
- 85–95% HRmax
- 100% HRmax
Correct answer: 55–70% HRmax
Moderate aerobic training at 55–70% HRmax primarily develops the aerobic energy system, improving mitochondrial density and fat oxidation.
Question 6: A candidate has a maximum heart rate of 190 bpm. To train at 80% intensity, their target heart rate should be approximately:
- 114 bpm
- 152 bpm (Correct answer)
- 171 bpm
- 190 bpm
Correct answer: 152 bpm
80% of 190 bpm = 152 bpm, which represents a vigorous aerobic training intensity appropriate for improving VO2 max.
Question 7: Dehydration of 2% of body weight during a fitness test has which effect on cardiovascular performance?
- Increases VO2 max by improving blood viscosity
- Reduces blood volume, raises heart rate, and decreases performance (Correct answer)
- Has no measurable effect on test results
- Lowers resting heart rate significantly
Correct answer: Reduces blood volume, raises heart rate, and decreases performance
Even mild dehydration reduces plasma volume, forcing the heart to beat faster to maintain cardiac output, significantly impairing aerobic performance.
FITCO Cardiovascular Fitness 3
During the FITCO shuttle run, what is the consequence of failing to reach the line before the beep THREE consecutive times?