Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA) Practice Exam

A 30-year-old female client who runs 5K wants to improve her time. Which test is the most appropriate to estimate her VO2 max?

1. Astrand-Rhyming cycle ergometer test

2. YMCA cycle ergometer test

3. Rockport walking test

4. 1.5-mile run

The correct answer is: 1.5-mile run

The most appropriate test to estimate the VO2 max for a 30-year-old female client who is already involved in running 5K is the 1.5-mile run. This test is specifically designed to evaluate the aerobic capacity of individuals who engage in running and is based on distance covered within a fixed timeframe. For runners, particularly those looking to improve their time in events like the 5K, this test closely simulates their performance conditions and provides a direct measure of their running efficiency and cardiovascular fitness. The 1.5-mile run is beneficial because it utilizes running as the primary mode of exercise, enabling a more accurate reflection of the client’s current fitness level and running economy compared to other modes. Additionally, it allows for the assessment of endurance and overall cardiovascular function in a format familiar to the client. This relevance to the client’s existing training regime can yield more motivating results that align with her goals for performance improvement in a running context. In contrast, other tests like the Astrand-Rhyming cycle ergometer test or the YMCA cycle ergometer test focus more on cycling, which may not translate directly to running performance. The Rockport walking test, although a valid aerobic fitness test, is less suitable for someone who is accustomed