NSCA CSCS Aerobic Endurance Program Design 5

Question 1

Which term describes the minimum exercise intensity below which aerobic training adaptations are unlikely to occur in sedentary individuals?

Accepted Answer

Training threshold

Answer

The training threshold is the minimum intensity (approximately 50–55% VO2max for sedentary individuals) required to elicit meaningful aerobic adaptations.

Question 2

An endurance athlete is performing a 20-minute time trial to estimate VO2max. This test MOST closely approximates which laboratory measure?

Accepted Answer

Functional threshold power (FTP) correlating to VO2max

Answer

A 20-minute all-out effort approximates functional threshold and can be used to estimate VO2max through established prediction equations.

Question 3

During prolonged aerobic exercise exceeding 90 minutes, which substrate becomes increasingly important for energy production?

Accepted Answer

Blood glucose and free fatty acids

Answer

As muscle glycogen depletes during prolonged exercise, blood glucose and free fatty acids become increasingly important oxidative substrates.

Question 4

Which of the following represents a CORRECT work-to-rest ratio for aerobic interval training targeting VO2max (e.g., 3–5 minute intervals)?

Accepted Answer

1:1 (work:rest)

Answer

Long aerobic intervals targeting VO2max typically use a 1:1 work-to-rest ratio to allow sufficient recovery while maintaining high quality efforts.

Question 5

Cardiac drift during prolonged aerobic exercise refers to:

Accepted Answer

Progressive heart rate increase at constant workload due to dehydration and cardiovascular stress

Answer

Cardiac drift is the gradual increase in heart rate during sustained exercise at constant intensity, driven mainly by progressive dehydration reducing stroke volume.

NSCA CSCS - NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Practice Test

NSCA CSCS - NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Practice Test

NSCA CSCS Aerobic Endurance Program Design 5