010-111 · Question #92
A sedentary 48 year old male with controlled hypertension has hired you to assist him with beginning a marathon training program. Which level of pre-participation screening must a certified Personal…
The correct answer is D. Medical examination performed by his physician before he begins. This client has multiple ACSM positive risk factors and intends to perform vigorous exercise, requiring a physician-performed medical examination before training begins.
Question
A sedentary 48 year old male with controlled hypertension has hired you to assist him with beginning a marathon training program. Which level of pre-participation screening must a certified Personal Trainer require?
Options
- AMedical health history questionnaire only.
- BPAR-Q form would be adequate information to begin.
- CNo screening is needed as he is considered low risk due to his age.
- DMedical examination performed by his physician before he begins.
How the community answered
(38 responses)- A8% (3)
- B5% (2)
- C3% (1)
- D84% (32)
Why each option
This client has multiple ACSM positive risk factors and intends to perform vigorous exercise, requiring a physician-performed medical examination before training begins.
A health history questionnaire alone does not satisfy ACSM pre-participation requirements for a moderate risk client preparing to undertake vigorous exercise; a full physician-performed medical examination is required.
The PAR-Q is a minimal self-administered screening tool appropriate for apparently healthy low risk individuals; it is insufficient for a moderate risk client with multiple confirmed risk factors beginning vigorous training.
Age 48 exceeds the male positive risk factor threshold of 45 years, making age itself a positive risk factor - not a reason to classify the client as low risk.
This client presents with at least three ACSM positive risk factors: male age 48 (meets the 45-year threshold), sedentary lifestyle (explicitly stated), and hypertension (a confirmed diagnosis counts regardless of pharmacologic control). With two or more positive risk factors he is classified as moderate risk, and ACSM guidelines mandate a medical examination and graded exercise test before a moderate risk individual begins vigorous-intensity exercise. Marathon training is vigorous exercise by definition, making physician clearance a required - not optional - pre-participation step.
Concept tested: Pre-participation medical examination requirements for moderate risk clients
Source: https://www.acsm.org/education-resources/books/acsms-guidelines-for-exercise-testing-and-prescription
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