NASM-CPT Cardiorespiratory Training 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Ventilatory threshold 1 (VT1) is most accurately described as the point at which:
- Lactic acid accumulates faster than it can be cleared
- Breathing begins to increase disproportionately to oxygen demand (Correct answer)
- Muscle fatigue becomes limiting
- Maximum heart rate is reached
Correct answer: Breathing begins to increase disproportionately to oxygen demand
VT1 represents the exercise intensity where ventilation begins to increase non-linearly relative to oxygen consumption, signaling a shift toward greater anaerobic contribution.
Question 2: For most healthy adults, maximum heart rate is estimated using the formula:
- 200 − (0.5 × age)
- 220 + age
- 220 − age (Correct answer)
- 206.9 − (0.67 × age)
Correct answer: 220 − age
The widely used estimate for maximum heart rate is 220 minus the client's age in years, though more precise formulas exist.
Question 3: Which training principle states that the body adapts to the specific demands placed upon it?
- Progressive overload
- Reversibility
- SAID principle (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands) (Correct answer)
- Individuality
Correct answer: SAID principle (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands)
The SAID principle holds that the body makes specific physiological adaptations in direct response to the type and intensity of training stress applied.
Question 4: Which of the following is the MOST common method NASM uses to prescribe cardiorespiratory intensity?
- Perceived exertion only
- Blood lactate testing
- Heart rate zones based on HRmax or HRR (Correct answer)
- Respiratory quotient measurement
Correct answer: Heart rate zones based on HRmax or HRR
NASM recommends prescribing cardiorespiratory intensity using heart rate zones derived from maximum heart rate or heart rate reserve, as these are practical and measurable.
Question 5: Interval training differs from steady-state training in that it:
- Is always performed at a lower intensity
- Alternates periods of higher-intensity effort with recovery periods (Correct answer)
- Can only be performed on treadmills
- Does not improve cardiovascular fitness
Correct answer: Alternates periods of higher-intensity effort with recovery periods
Interval training alternates bouts of elevated intensity with recovery periods, producing greater improvements in VO2 max and caloric expenditure per session than steady-state work.
Question 6: The primary long-term adaptation to consistent aerobic training on cardiac output is:
- Increased resting heart rate
- Decreased stroke volume
- Increased stroke volume and decreased resting heart rate (Correct answer)
- Decreased maximum cardiac output
Correct answer: Increased stroke volume and decreased resting heart rate
Chronic aerobic training causes cardiac hypertrophy and increased blood volume, resulting in greater stroke volume and a lower resting heart rate (athlete's heart).
NASM-CPT Cardiorespiratory Training 2
Ventilatory threshold 1 (VT1) is most accurately described as the point at which: