ACSM-EP Special Populations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the ACSM-recommended minimum amount of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week for adults aged 65 and older?
- 75 minutes
- 150 minutes (Correct answer)
- 300 minutes
- 60 minutes
Correct answer: 150 minutes
ACSM recommends older adults accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, consistent with general adult guidelines.
Question 2: Which type of exercise is MOST important to include in a program for older adults to reduce fall risk?
- High-intensity interval training
- Balance and flexibility training (Correct answer)
- Aquatic aerobic exercise only
- Seated resistance exercises exclusively
Correct answer: Balance and flexibility training
Balance and flexibility training directly addresses neuromuscular deficits that contribute to fall risk, making it a priority for older adult programming.
Question 3: According to ACSM guidelines, what is the recommended exercise intensity for pregnant women without contraindications?
- Light intensity only (RPE 8–10)
- Moderate intensity (RPE 12–14) (Correct answer)
- Vigorous intensity only (RPE 16–18)
- Aerobic exercise is contraindicated during pregnancy
Correct answer: Moderate intensity (RPE 12–14)
ACSM recommends moderate-intensity exercise (RPE 12–14) for pregnant women without contraindications, as it is safe and confers maternal and fetal health benefits.
Question 4: An 8-year-old child wants to begin a resistance training program. Which approach is MOST appropriate?
- Heavy loads with low repetitions to build maximal strength
- Body weight and light loads emphasizing proper technique (Correct answer)
- Standard adult protocols with proportionally reduced weight
- Resistance training is contraindicated in children under 12
Correct answer: Body weight and light loads emphasizing proper technique
Children should use body weight and light loads with focus on technique, as their musculoskeletal system is still developing and injury risk from heavy loading is elevated.
Question 5: What is the primary safety concern when prescribing aerobic exercise for a client with Type 2 diabetes who uses insulin?
- Reduced cardiovascular adaptations to training
- Hypoglycemia risk during and after exercise (Correct answer)
- Excessive muscle glycogen depletion
- Inability to achieve target heart rate
Correct answer: Hypoglycemia risk during and after exercise
Hypoglycemia is the primary concern for insulin-using clients with diabetes, as exercise significantly lowers blood glucose and can cause dangerous drops.
Question 6: For a client with hypertension, which exercise mode has the strongest evidence as a first-line intervention to lower blood pressure?
- Isometric handgrip training at maximal effort
- Heavy resistance training with Valsalva maneuver
- Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (Correct answer)
- High-intensity interval training exclusively
Correct answer: Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise
Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise consistently produces clinically significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and is the primary ACSM recommendation for hypertensive clients.
Question 7: Which exercise mode is MOST effective for improving bone mineral density in clients with osteoporosis?
- Swimming and aquatic exercise
- Weight-bearing and resistance exercises (Correct answer)
- Recumbent cycling
- Yoga and stretching only
Correct answer: Weight-bearing and resistance exercises
Weight-bearing and resistance exercises apply mechanical stress to bones, stimulating bone remodeling and helping maintain or increase bone mineral density.
ACSM-EP Special Populations 1
What is the ACSM-recommended minimum amount of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week for adults aged 65 and older?