NSCA CSCS - NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Performance-Enhancing Nutrition Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 220-pound collegiate football player is in his off-season and wants to optimize his protein intake for muscle hypertrophy.
Based on NSCA guidelines, which of the following daily protein intake ranges is most appropriate for this athlete?

Accepted Answer

140-180 g

Answer

80-100 g

Answer

110-135 g

Answer

200-225 g

Question 2

An elite marathon runner is preparing for a race and wants to use carbohydrate loading. According to established sports nutrition guidelines for events lasting over 90 minutes, what is the recommended daily carbohydrate intake during the 36-48 hours leading up to the competition?

Accepted Answer

10-12 g/kg of body weight

Answer

3-5 g/kg of body weight

Answer

5-7 g/kg of body weight

Answer

7-9 g/kg of body weight

Question 3

A strength and conditioning specialist is advising an athlete on the use of creatine monohydrate. Which of the following statements accurately describes the primary mechanism of creatine as an ergogenic aid?

Accepted Answer

It increases the availability of phosphocreatine (PCr), allowing for faster ATP resynthesis during high-intensity exercise.

Answer

It acts as a direct stimulant to the central nervous system, increasing alertness.

Answer

It enhances fat oxidation, sparing muscle glycogen during prolonged activity.

Answer

It directly buffers hydrogen ions in the muscle, reducing metabolic acidosis.

Question 4

Which of the following represents an appropriate and effective dose of caffeine for enhancing aerobic endurance performance when consumed approximately 60 minutes before exercise?

Accepted Answer

3-6 mg/kg body mass

Answer

0.5-1.0 mg/kg body mass

Answer

8-10 mg/kg body mass

Answer

12-15 mg/kg body mass

Question 5

An athlete training for a 400-meter sprint is considering supplementing with beta-alanine. To maximize muscle carnosine concentrations, what is the recommended daily dosing strategy?

Accepted Answer

4-6 g daily, taken in divided doses, for at least four weeks.

Answer

A single dose of 10 g taken immediately post-workout.

Answer

2 g taken once daily with breakfast for one week.

Answer

A daily dose of 1 g per kg of body weight.

Question 6

A collegiate soccer player is in the middle of her competitive season, playing two matches per week. To support recovery and maintain glycogen stores, which of the following daily carbohydrate intake ranges is most appropriate for her?

Accepted Answer

5-8 g/kg/day

Answer

1-3 g/kg/day

Answer

3-5 g/kg/day

Answer

10-12 g/kg/day