ACE Cardiorespiratory Program Design 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client's heart rate at ventilatory threshold 1 (VT1) is 145 bpm. Which training zone corresponds to intensities just BELOW VT1?
- Zone 1 — aerobic base (Correct answer)
- Zone 2 — aerobic efficiency
- Zone 3 — anaerobic threshold
- Zone 4 — VO2max
Correct answer: Zone 1 — aerobic base
Zone 1 represents intensities below VT1 where fat oxidation is predominant and conversation is easy.
Question 2: Which ACE IFT model phase introduces interval training between VT1 and VT2?
- Phase 1
- Phase 2
- Phase 3 (Correct answer)
- Phase 4
Correct answer: Phase 3
Phase 3 of the ACE IFT cardiorespiratory model introduces intervals at or slightly above VT1 to improve aerobic efficiency.
Question 3: During a talk test, a client can speak in short phrases but not full sentences. This most closely corresponds to which physiological marker?
- Below VT1
- At or near VT1 (Correct answer)
- Between VT1 and VT2
- At or above VT2
Correct answer: At or near VT1
The talk test 'first ventilatory threshold' point occurs when a client can no longer speak comfortably in full sentences.
Question 4: A client wants to improve 5K race performance. Which training method BEST addresses lactate clearance capacity?
- Long slow distance at 55% HRmax
- Tempo runs at VT2 intensity (Correct answer)
- Sprint intervals at 95% HRmax
- Low-cadence cycling at 40% HRmax
Correct answer: Tempo runs at VT2 intensity
Tempo runs sustained at VT2 intensity train the body to clear lactate more efficiently, directly improving race performance.
Question 5: Which formula is used to calculate training heart rate using the Karvonen (heart rate reserve) method?
- THR = HRmax × intensity%
- THR = (HRmax − HRrest) × intensity% + HRrest (Correct answer)
- THR = HRrest + (220 − age)
- THR = HRmax − (HRrest × intensity%)
Correct answer: THR = (HRmax − HRrest) × intensity% + HRrest
The Karvonen formula adds the resting heart rate back after applying the desired intensity percentage to the heart rate reserve.
Question 6: What is the recommended minimum frequency of cardiorespiratory exercise per week for health benefits according to ACSM/ACE guidelines?
- 2 days
- 3 days (Correct answer)
- 5 days
- 7 days
Correct answer: 3 days
ACSM recommends at least 3 days per week of moderate-intensity cardiorespiratory exercise for measurable health benefits.
Question 7: A deconditioned client completes 20 minutes of walking at 60% HRmax without stopping. According to the ACE IFT model, which phase is this client currently in?
- Phase 1 (Correct answer)
- Phase 2
- Phase 3
- Phase 4
Correct answer: Phase 1
Phase 1 focuses on building the aerobic base to allow clients to sustain 30 minutes of continuous moderate-intensity exercise.
ACE Cardiorespiratory Program Design 2
A client's heart rate at ventilatory threshold 1 (VT1) is 145 bpm.
Which training zone corresponds to intensities just BELOW VT1?