Potential Scenarios Flashcards
An exercise physiologist wants to calculate working intensity within the anaerobic zone for a 28-year-old male hockey player. What would be his lower and upper training threshold if his maximum heart rate is 185?
To calculate the working intensity within the anaerobic zone, we need to determine the lower and upper HR thresholds for this training zone. Typically, the anaerobic training zone is defined as 80-90% of the individual’s max HR (HRmax).
Step 1: Formula for Max HR: The question provides the player’s max HR (HRmax) as 185 bpm (BPM)
Step 2: Calculate the Lower and Upper Training Threshold
- Lower Threshold: 185 x 0.80 = 140bpm
- Upper threshold: 185 x 0.90 = 166.5bpm
The HR range for the anaerobic zone is 148bpm to 167bpm
Explanation:
- Anaerobic zone is where the body primarily uses glycogen as fuel, resulting in the production of lactic acid. Training in this zone improves the athletes ability to sustain high intensity efforts, enhance speed, and increase lactate threshold
- By targeting 80-90% of HRmax, the hockey player works on developing power and endurance for intense game situations
A 55-years-old male client has been referred to an exercise physiologist by his physician after excessive weight gain from his new job. His weight is 90 kg, height 146 cm and waist circumference 130 cm. What is his BMI?
To calculate BMI
BMI = weight (kg) / Height (m)2
Step 1: Convert height to meters: the given height is 146cm. Convert to m
height (m) = 146 / 100 = 1.46m
Step 2: Substitute the values into formula. The weight is 90kg and the height is 1.46 m
BMI = 90 / (1.46)2
Step 3: perform the calculation
BMI = 90 / 1,316 = approx. 42.2
Answer: The BMI of the client is appox. 42.2 which places him in the Class 3 Obesity (severe) category.
A 55-year-old male referred to exercise physiologist complains of shortness of breath, excessive coughing and mucus production. The patient indicates he would like to begin an exercise program but is concerned because these symptoms have been bothering him for the last 7 years. Which of the following is an indication of the patient’s present condition?
The patient’s symptoms of shortness of breath, excessive coughing, and mucus production that have persisted for 7 years strongly indicate the presence of a chronic respiratory condition, most likely Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
A 25-year-old female client is 8 weeks pregnant and would like to begin a new exercise program. Which of the following is an appropriate method of monitoring exercise intensity for a pregnant client?
The most appropriate method of monitoring exercise intensity for a pregnant client. Including an 8 week pregnant client starting a new exercise program. Is the ‘Talk test’ or the RPE scale.
Talk test: This method endures that the client can carry on a conversation during exercise without becoming overly breathless. If the client cannot talk comfortably, the intensity is likely too high and should be reduced
RPE: The RPE scale (commonly 6-20 or 1-10) helps clients gauge their exercise intensity based on how hard they feel they are working. For pregnant clients, an RPE level 12-14 (mod intensity) on a 6-20 is generally recommended, corresponding to “somewhat hard” effort.
A 42-year-old female client needs to be trained at 80% of her HRR. Her resting pulse is 75 and age-adjusted maximum heart rate is 180. Using the Karvonen Method, what is this client’s appropriate exercise intensity?
Formula for THR (target HR)
THR = HRrest + ((HRmax - HRrest) x intensity)
Where:
HR rest = 75 bpm (RHR)
HR max = 180 bpm (MHR)
Intensity = 80% or 0.80 (desired training intensity)
Calculate HRR
HRR = HR max - HR rest
HRR = 180 - 75 = 105 bpm
Apply intensity to HRR
HRR at 80% = 105 x 0.80 = 84bpm
Add RHR to determine THR
THR = 75 + 84 = 159 bpm
Final Answer: The client’s appropriate exercise intensity at 80% of HRR is 159 bpm
A 66-year-old female was prescribed a new medication that tends to promote postural hypotension. Her exercise physiologist determines she’s at an increased fall risk with her new prescription. What medication is most consistent with this situation?
The medication most consistent with promoting postural hypotension and increasing the fall risk in a 66 year old female is likely a BP lowering medication such as;
Antihypertensives
- Alpha-blockers (e.g. doxazosin, prazosin): These medications relax blood vessels and can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing, causing postural (orthostatic) hypotension
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g. amlodipine): These can also contribute to drops in BP
- Beta-blockers (e.g. metoprolol, atenolol): While they primarily reduce HR, they can also cause postural hypotension
Diuretics
- These promote fluid loss, which can reduce blood volume and contribute to low BP when standing, increasing fall risk
Nitrates
- Commonly prescribed for chest pain, these medications cause vasodilation, which can exacerbate postural hypotension
Certain Antidepressants
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (e,g, amitriptyline, nortriptyline) or SSRIs may occasionally promote hypotension in older adults
Postural hypotension occurs when blood pressure drops significantly upon standing, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, and an increased risk of falling. Older adults are particularly susceptible due to age-related changes in blood pressure regulation and medication side effects.
It is crucial for the exercise physiologist to:
Monitor her closely during transitions from sitting or lying to standing.
Encourage gradual positional changes.
Discuss fall-prevention strategies, such as balance exercises, with her and her healthcare team.
In order to be stratified as low risk, a client must meet which of the following conditions?
i. Male less than forty-five years of age or female less than fifty-five years
ii. Asymptomatic
iii. Have no risk factors for cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
iv. Have one risk factor for cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
i. Male less than forty-five years of age or female less than fifty-five years
ii. Asymptomatic
iii. Have no risk factors for cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
