FITCO Physical Endurance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During the FITCO physical endurance component, at which point are candidates most likely to experience a significant increase in perceived exertion?
- At the very first shuttle
- When transitioning from aerobic to anaerobic threshold (Correct answer)
- Immediately after the warm-up ends
- During the static rest intervals
Correct answer: When transitioning from aerobic to anaerobic threshold
Perceived exertion spikes sharply as intensity crosses the anaerobic threshold because lactic acid accumulates and breathing becomes laboured.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a proper cool-down after completing the FITCO endurance test?
- To immediately rebuild muscle glycogen stores
- To gradually return heart rate and blood pressure to resting levels and prevent blood pooling (Correct answer)
- To test flexibility for the next component
- To measure lactate clearance speed
Correct answer: To gradually return heart rate and blood pressure to resting levels and prevent blood pooling
A cool-down maintains blood circulation to prevent venous pooling, eases the cardiovascular system back to rest, and aids lactate removal.
Question 3: An officer applicant trains on flat ground only but the FITCO shuttle run involves rapid direction changes. Which fitness quality is most neglected by this training approach?
- Maximal aerobic capacity
- Agility and change-of-direction speed (Correct answer)
- Resting metabolic rate
- Static muscular endurance
Correct answer: Agility and change-of-direction speed
Change-of-direction training is required for the shuttle run; steady-state flat running does not develop the deceleration and re-acceleration mechanics needed.
Question 4: Which of the following best explains why female candidates and male candidates may have different minimum passing levels on the FITCO endurance test?
- The test is gender-biased and scientifically invalid
- Standards are job-task validated separately by sex to reflect bona fide occupational requirements (Correct answer)
- Female candidates are tested on a shorter shuttle distance
- There are no differences; all candidates use identical cut scores
Correct answer: Standards are job-task validated separately by sex to reflect bona fide occupational requirements
Occupational test standards are validated against real job demands, and separate norms by sex reflect physiological differences while ensuring job-task adequacy.
Question 5: What effect does dehydration of just 2% of body weight have on endurance performance?
- No measurable effect below 5%
- Improves performance by reducing body mass
- Decreases endurance performance by approximately 10–20% (Correct answer)
- Only affects strength, not aerobic capacity
Correct answer: Decreases endurance performance by approximately 10–20%
Research consistently shows a 2% body-weight fluid loss impairs aerobic endurance by roughly 10–20% due to reduced plasma volume and cardiac output.
Question 6: A candidate scores below the minimum FITCO endurance standard. What is the typical outcome under Ontario correctional hiring protocols?
- They automatically receive one free re-test the same day
- They are disqualified from the current hiring process (Correct answer)
- They are offered a modified physical standard
- Their written test score can compensate for the failed fitness component
Correct answer: They are disqualified from the current hiring process
Failure to meet the minimum physical standard on the FITCO typically results in disqualification from the current competition; the fitness test is a mandatory hurdle.
Question 7: Which energy substrate becomes the dominant fuel source during the high-intensity final stages of the FITCO shuttle run?
- Dietary fat (free fatty acids)
- Muscle glycogen via anaerobic glycolysis (Correct answer)
- Plasma glucose via aerobic oxidation
- Creatine phosphate exclusively
Correct answer: Muscle glycogen via anaerobic glycolysis
At near-maximal intensities, the aerobic system cannot meet energy demand fast enough, so anaerobic glycolysis burning muscle glycogen becomes dominant.
FITCO Physical Endurance 3
During the FITCO physical endurance component, at which point are candidates most likely to experience a significant increase in perceived exertion?