NSCA CSCS Exercise Science Principles 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) enhances force and power output primarily through:
- Increased glycolytic ATP production during the pre-stretch phase
- Storage and reutilization of elastic energy in tendons and potentiation of contractile elements (Correct answer)
- Selective recruitment of Type IIx fibers during the concentric phase only
- Increased calcium reuptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum between phases
Correct answer: Storage and reutilization of elastic energy in tendons and potentiation of contractile elements
The SSC enhances concentric force and power by pre-loading elastic structures (particularly tendons) and potentiating the contractile apparatus through the stretch reflex.
Question 2: Arterial blood pressure is determined by which two primary factors?
- Heart rate and blood viscosity
- Cardiac output and total peripheral resistance (Correct answer)
- Stroke volume and blood pH
- Venous return and pulmonary blood flow
Correct answer: Cardiac output and total peripheral resistance
Mean arterial pressure = cardiac output × total peripheral resistance, reflecting the two primary determinants of systemic blood pressure.
Question 3: Which of the following physiological variables shows the greatest improvement with endurance training?
- Maximal heart rate
- Lactate threshold (as a percentage of VO2max) (Correct answer)
- Maximal oxygen extraction (a-vO2 difference)
- Pulmonary tidal volume at rest
Correct answer: Lactate threshold (as a percentage of VO2max)
Endurance training dramatically shifts lactate threshold to a higher percentage of VO2max, allowing athletes to sustain higher intensities aerobically.
Question 4: The concept of 'specificity of training' (SAID principle) most directly implies that:
- All sports require identical training modalities for optimal transfer
- Physiological adaptations are specific to the type, intensity, and pattern of exercise performed (Correct answer)
- Training volume is the sole determinant of sport-specific performance gains
- Muscle fiber type conversions occur in response to any training stimulus
Correct answer: Physiological adaptations are specific to the type, intensity, and pattern of exercise performed
The SAID (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands) principle states that the body adapts specifically to the nature of the training stress applied.
Question 5: Venous return to the heart during exercise is enhanced by all of the following EXCEPT:
- Skeletal muscle pump action
- Respiratory pump (thoracic pressure changes)
- Venoconstriction of peripheral vessels
- Increased arterial vasoconstriction in active muscles (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Increased arterial vasoconstriction in active muscles
Arterial vasoconstriction in active muscles would impede blood flow delivery, not enhance venous return; the other three mechanisms actively promote blood return to the heart.
Question 6: A force-velocity curve for skeletal muscle demonstrates that:
- Force and velocity are directly proportional with no inverse relationship
- As contraction velocity increases, force production decreases (for concentric contractions) (Correct answer)
- Maximal force is produced at maximal shortening velocity
- Eccentric contractions produce less force than isometric contractions at all velocities
Correct answer: As contraction velocity increases, force production decreases (for concentric contractions)
The force-velocity relationship shows an inverse relationship during concentric contractions — as shortening velocity increases, fewer cross-bridges can form, reducing force.
Question 7: Testosterone's primary anabolic effect on skeletal muscle is mediated through:
- Direct stimulation of glycogen synthase in muscle cells
- Binding to androgen receptors, increasing muscle protein synthesis and satellite cell activation (Correct answer)
- Inhibiting cortisol receptors to prevent muscle protein breakdown only
- Stimulating erythropoietin release to increase oxygen delivery to muscles
Correct answer: Binding to androgen receptors, increasing muscle protein synthesis and satellite cell activation
Testosterone binds intracellular androgen receptors, translocates to the nucleus, and upregulates genes responsible for muscle protein synthesis and satellite cell proliferation.
NSCA CSCS Exercise Science Principles 5
The stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) enhances force and power output primarily through: