ISSA CPT Exam Questions

Correct answer: An exercise training program

An exercise training program is correct because the physician referral form will include recommendations and guidelines for the exercise program, but not the exercise program itself. The physician's referral form is used to obtain information about the client's health status, physical limitations and exercise restrictions. This form and the physician's medical clearance should be obtained for any moderate or high-risk client.

Assessment of the client's functional capacity and a classification of the client's ability to participate are incorrect because these should be included within a physician's referral form.

Correct answer: 50%

A rest interval is the time it takes to recover between circuits, sets, or specific exercises during a workout. Rest intervals significantly affect the results of the training program.

Less ATP and PC will be replenished during short rests, which means that less energy will be available for use in the next set.

For example, if a client rests for 20-30 seconds between sets or exercises, they will be about 50% recovered. Exercises performed at a lower intensity can be performed for longer periods of time because the body is able to use oxygen more efficiently. With efficient oxygen utilization, one requires less rest to recover their energy.

Correct answer: 16-24 ounces for every pound of body weight lost during exercise

During exercise, the body produces a large amount of heat, which must be released to regulate body temperature. The way the body releases this heat is through sweating. Factors such as the outside temperature, the intensity of training, and even the type of clothing worn determine the amount of water needed to be consumed during as well as after exercise. To prevent dehydration and facilitate proper recovery, it is recommended that an individual consume the following:

• Before Exercise: 14-22 oz. of fluid two hours before exercise
• During Exercise: 6-12 oz. of water or sports drink every 15-20 minutes of exercise
• After Exercise: 16-24 oz. of water or sports drink for every pound of body mass lost during exercise

Correct answer: Shoulder over the knees

Shoulders over the knees is correct because this position allows for optimal force absorption and will reduce the likelihood of injuries. In addition, the knees should be in line with the feet with no lateral deviation. This will aid in keeping the body's center of gravity over its base of support.

Shoulders behind the knees is incorrect because this removes the hips from aiding fully in force absorption. Knees behind the ankles is incorrect because this indicates that the center of gravity is outside the body's base of support.

Correct answer: Through integrative function, which is its capacity to evaluate sensory information and choose a suitable reaction

The central nervous system (CNS — brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system (PNS — nerves) work together to sense, evaluate, and respond to sensory information. The CNS regulates the activity of all parts of the body by understanding and analyzing the sensory data provided by the PNS. The CNS then communicates the appropriate responsive action to the body through the PNS.

Correct answer: The personal trainer will be able to determine the most effective way to promote services

A marketing plan should identify business opportunities and how to attract business in a specific marketing environment. The marketing plan will help determine the most effective way to promote services offered by the personal trainer, which will differ based on the specific market the fitness professional is working in.

To help simplify the process, fitness professionals should consider the Four Ps of marketing, also known as the marketing mix:

• Product: Communicate the benefits of using a product
• Price: Identify a competitive price of the service
• Promotion: Determine how the service will be promoted
• Place: Select the place or method of distribution

Correct answer: Performing lat pull-downs behind the neck

It is not recommended to perform lat pull-downs behind the neck. This position places extra stress on the shoulder joints and cervical spine. To ensure proper form, the individual should pull the handles (or bar) toward the body by flexing the elbows and depressing the shoulder blades. Their lower back should not arch, their head should not jut forward, and their shoulders should not elevate. It is recommended that the handles (or bar) be lowered in front of the face to approximately shoulder height before being returned to the starting position.

Correct answer: Stethoscope

Stethoscope is correct because this is used to listen for the Korotkoff sounds. The first audible detection of these sounds represents the systolic blood pressure, and the pressure at which they disappear corresponds to the diastolic blood pressure. The pressure should be released slowly in order for an accurate measurement to occur.

Stopwatch is incorrect because time is not a factor when measuring blood pressure. Heart rate monitor is incorrect because heart rate is not part of a blood pressure measurement.

Correct answer: 40-80% of 1 RM

Through resistance training, older adults can achieve improvements in muscular fitness, such as improving muscle mass, increasing function and balance, and enhancing power. It is recommended that older adults train 3-5 days per week, with 1-3 sets of 8-20 repetitions, at an intensity between 40% and 80% of their one-repetition maximum or 1RM.

Correct answer: Twist the torso to the side opposite the raised knee

Twist the torso to the side opposite the raised knee is correct because the torso is twisted to the same side as the raised knee. The opposite elbow is placed on the outside of the knee. This static stretch targets the obliques, piriformis and erector spine muscles.

Flex the knee and cross it over the other extended leg and place the palm 12 to 16 inches behind the hips are incorrect because these are descriptions of correct technique.

Correct answer: Traditional aerobics class

Traditional aerobics class is correct because this activity often requires single-limb support, which can impose an excessive weight-bearing stress on the involved joints. This is especially evident in the hips. Low-impact activities can aid in preventing some of this stress.

Walking is incorrect because this is a low-impact activity. Aqua aerobics is incorrect because this is not a weight-bearing activity.

Correct answer: 4,600 calories

4,600 calories is correct because this individual should be consuming 23 calories per pound of body weight because his activity level is heavy. To estimate caloric needs, multiply the caloric need per pound by body weight (23 kcal/pound x 200 pounds = 4,600 calories). It is difficult, if not impossible, to obtain an accurate estimate of a client's energy expenditure; this equation is only a rough estimate.

4,000 calories is incorrect because this is the estimated caloric need for a 200-pound female athlete. 10,000 calories is incorrect because this is calculated using the calories per kilogram equation.

Correct answer: Allow for a longer cool-down time following aerobic exercise

It's important to be aware of the risks and recommended guidelines when training a client with hypertension. Hypertensive individuals that are taking medication may have their hypertension under control, but must still adhere to the guidelines for training hypertensive individuals.

Medications that work to lower blood pressure, such as beta blockers, have additional side effects that must be taken into consideration during exercise. Some of these medications are vasodilators and can lead to blood pooling. For this reason, it's important to take more time to cool down following aerobic exercise.

Beta blockers also prevent heart rate elevation during exercise. Individuals that take beta blockers cannot use heart rate as a measure of training intensity, but instead, must use an alternative, such as RPE (rating of perceived exertion).

The initial intensity recommended for aerobic endurance training for hypertensive individuals is at the lower end of the intensity spectrum, at an RPE of 8 to 10, on a scale of 6 to 20, with 20 being the greatest intensity. Over time, as they progress, this range can increase to 11 to 13.

Resistance training should begin at a lower intensity (load) as well. Individuals are recommended to begin resistance training using large muscle, multi-joint exercises at loads of just 50 to 60% of 1RM, which should allow for 16 to 20 repetitions per set. Rest intervals between sets should be long enough to allow for sufficient recovery, usually 2 to 3 minutes. Again, over time, they can progress to using 8 to 12 repetitions with heavier loads.

Correct answer: Get a shorter band

Get a shorter band is correct because the band should be taut, but not stretched. This ensures that the client will be able to fully extend the arms in front of them with an appropriate resistance. This exercise can be used when clients do not have access to a fitness facility while at home or traveling.

Get a longer band is incorrect because this would occur if the band was stretched tightly against the back in the starting position. Wrap the band around the wrists is incorrect because this may cause injury to the client.

Correct answer: 3.5 pounds per week

3.5 pounds per week is correct because losing weight at a rate of 1% per week is a common guideline that is effective and does not place the client at risk. In addition to physical activity, nutrition will play a large role in weight loss. The diet should be nutritionally balanced and provide a variety of low-energy-dense foods.

1 pound per week is incorrect because this rate may be too conservative for this client. 5 pounds per week is incorrect because this rate is greater than 1% per week and may be unrealistic.

Correct answer: Resting metabolic rate

Three factors go into the amount of energy an individual expends on a daily basis. These are:

1. Resting metabolic rate (RMR), which contributes up to 60 to 75% of daily expenditure. This includes energy used for breathing and heart function as well as regulating body temperature.

2. Physical activity. This includes energy spent through daily activity as well as during workouts. This contribution certainly varies based on an individual's level of activity but, in addition, things like ambient temperature can also affect the amount of energy required for activity (very high or low temperatures can increase requirements).

3. The thermic effect of food, which contributes about 7 to 10% to an individual's total daily caloric expenditure/need. After eating, energy expenditure increases for hours for digestion. This expenditure should be included in determining an individual's daily caloric requirement.

Correct answer: Self-myofascial release, 30 seconds for each muscle

Self-myofascial release can be performed in both the warm-up and the cool-down phases of any training session. Dynamic stretching and active-isolated stretching are performed during the warm-up for power- and strength-level clients. Walking at 4 mph is quite fast and not appropriate for a cool-down activity.

Correct answer: 168 beats per minute

168 beats per minute is correct because the variables for using the Karvonen method are available in the question. According to this method, target heart rate = (heart rate reserve x exercise intensity) + resting heart rate = ((220-35-70) x 0.85) + 70 = 168 beats per minute. The Karvonen method is considered to provide more accurate target heart rates than simply using the percentage of age-predicted maximum heart rate.

157 beats per minute is incorrect because this was determined using the percentage of age-predicted maximum heart rate method. 98 beats per minute is incorrect because this answer did not include adding the resting heart rate after multiplying the heart rate reserve and exercise intensity.

Correct answer: Long-term goals

All goals are important, but long-term goals should be decided on first to accurately determine what short-term goals should include. Either of these may be process or outcome goals, but the process goals should take precedence. An action plan is put together after all goals are decided on.

Correct answer: The female athlete triad

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are examples of common eating disorders. As many as 5% of girls and young women have eating disorders. Although most common among women, a small percentage of men develop eating disorders as well. Individuals with a known or suspected eating disorder must be referred to a medical professional.

Anorexia typically involves severely restricting food intake while potentially performing excessive exercise and results in an extreme weight loss. Bulimia can be more difficult to detect. Bulimic individuals go through cycles of binging and purging, which can lead to weight fluctuations.

The significant calorie (energy) deficit associated with eating disorders and disordered eating (the precursor to eating disorders) can lead to amenorrhea, which is the loss of menses for a minimum of three months. Amenorrhea creates a deficiency in the hormones necessary for healthy bone development and can lead to osteoporosis even in young girls. In some cases, this is irreversible.

The progression of disordered eating leading to amenorrhea and resulting in osteoporosis is known as the female athlete triad. Despite the name, athletes are not the only individuals at risk for this disorder.

Hyperlipidemia describes the condition in which fats (lipids) are elevated in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides.