ACSM EP Exercise Phys Prep practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q1Which of the following factors would classify an athlete as requiring special monitoring during high-intensity training?
✓ Correct answer: D. Significant silent ischemia
Answer: Significant silent ischemia Athletes with significant silent ischemia are at a high risk for cardiac events during high-intensity training. Silent ischemia represents heart muscle ischemia without accompanying symptoms, making it especially dangerous. Similarly to clients in general health assessments, athletes need careful screening to minimize the risk of severe cardiac events. Key factors indicating high risk include: Risk Factor Left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% Survivor of cardiac arrest or sudden death Complex ventricular dysrhythmias MI or cardiac surgery complicated by cardiogenic shock Abnormal hemodynamics with exercise Significant silent ischemia Symptoms of angina pectoris, dizziness, light-headedness, or dyspnea at low levels of exercise Maximal functional capacity of less than 5.0 METs Clinically significant depression or depressive symptoms The other options mentioned generally indicate low to normal risk and do not warrant special monitoring.
Q2During the Rockport One-Mile Walk Test, what is the recommended course setting for the walk?
✓ Correct answer: D. Level course
Answer: Level course. Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) can be assessed through various step tests, field tests, and submaximal VO2 prediction tests. The Rockport One-Mile Walk Test is designed to help the exercise physiologist determine VO2 max. The exercise physiologist should ensure the test is performed on a level course to maintain consistency and accuracy.
Q3When conducting the Harvard Step Test, what should the metronome be set to for male clients?
✓ Correct answer: A. 96
Answer: 96 beats per minute The Harvard Step Test is designed to measure cardiovascular fitness by having participants step up and down on a platform set at a specified height. A metronome is highly recommended during this test to maintain a consistent stepping pace. For males, the metronome should be set to 96 beats per minute, whereas for females, it should be set to 88 beats per minute. Participants step up and down continuously for 5 minutes, after which the pulse rate is measured. The recovery heart rate is then used to determine the participant's fitness level. For males, the fitness index can be calculated using the following formula: $$\text{Fitness Index} (\text{FI}) = \frac{D \times 100}{2 \times HR}$$ where $$D$$ is the duration of the test in seconds and $$HR$$ is the heart rate after the test.
Q4What is the duration of the walking portion in the Rockport One-Mile Walk Test for estimating cardiorespiratory fitness in adults?
✓ Correct answer: A. 1 mile
Answer: 1 mile The Rockport One-Mile Walk Test is designed to be a simple and effective way to estimate an adult's cardiorespiratory fitness. After a proper warm-up, the client is instructed to walk one mile as fast as possible while maintaining a steady pace. Their heart rate and time taken to complete the walk are measured and used to estimate VO2 max.
Q5Which muscle group is primarily involved in stabilizing the pelvis during lateral movements?
✓ Correct answer: A. Gluteus medius
The Gluteus medius is primarily responsible for stabilizing the pelvis during lateral movements. It plays a crucial role in movements such as side steps and balancing on one leg. Other muscles involved in hip stabilization include: Muscle Function Tensor fasciae latae Assists in hip abduction and medial rotation Psoas major Flexes the hip and spine Rectus femoris One of the quadriceps; extends the knee and flexes the hip
Q6If a client has hypertension, they are at an increased risk for a cardiac event. Which of the following best defines hypertension?
✓ Correct answer: D. Systolic blood pressure $$\geq 140$$ mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure $$\geq 90$$ mm Hg
Answer: Systolic blood pressure $$\geq 140$$ mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure $$\geq 90$$ mm Hg Hypertension is defined by elevated blood pressure readings and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Specifically, a systolic blood pressure of $$\geq 140$$ mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure of $$\geq 90$$ mm Hg indicates hypertension.
Q7Which phase of muscle recovery following intense exercise is marked by soreness, swelling, heat, and increased cellular activity?
✓ Correct answer: C. Inflammation
Answer: Inflammation After intense exercise, muscles enter three phases of recovery: inflammation, repair, and remodeling. The inflammation phase involves soreness, swelling, and increased cell activity, typically lasting 24 to 72 hours. This is followed by the repair phase, which can last several weeks, and then the remodeling phase.
Q8Which corrective exercise would be most appropriate for a client with mobility limitations in their hip flexors?
✓ Correct answer: D. Hip flexor stretch
Answer: Hip flexor stretch To address mobility limitations in the hip flexors, a corrective exercise like the hip flexor stretch can be recommended. This helps increase flexibility and range of motion in the hip flexors.
Q9Which of the following verbal cues would you provide to a client experiencing anterior pelvic tilt?
✓ Correct answer: C. "Engage your core and draw your hips up towards your ribs."
Answer: "Engage your core and draw your hips up towards your ribs." For postural deviations, it is important to provide specific verbal cues for correction. For a client with anterior pelvic tilt, you would advise them to "Engage your core and draw your hips up towards your ribs." Additionally, focusing on stretching the hip flexors and strengthening the lower abdominals and glutes can help address this issue.
Q10Which of the following instruments would be the most useful during a body composition assessment?
✓ Correct answer: B. Skinfold caliper
Answer: Skinfold caliper Skinfold calipers are the most useful tool for assessing body composition by measuring the thickness of skinfolds at specific sites on the body. To use a skinfold caliper effectively, follow these steps: 1. Perform a short warm-up or ensure the individual is at rest. 2. Identify the specific anatomical sites for measurement, typically including areas like the triceps, abdomen, and thigh. 3. Pinch the skin at each site to form a double layer and apply the caliper to measure the skinfold thickness in millimeters. 4. Record the measurements at each site. 5. Repeat the measurements three times and use the average for accuracy.
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