ACE CPT flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

PAR-Q+

A pre-participation screening questionnaire that identifies individuals who may need medical clearance before starting or progressing an exercise program.

Tanaka max HR formula

An age-based estimate of maximum heart rate calculated as 208 minus (0.7 times age); it is considered more accurate than 220 minus age, especially in older adults.

Body mass index formula

BMI equals weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared; 25 to 29.9 is classified as overweight and 30 or higher as obese.

Waist circumference risk thresholds

Abdominal obesity risk is flagged at greater than 40 inches (102 cm) in men and greater than 35 inches (88 cm) in women.

Submaximal cardiorespiratory testing

A graded exercise protocol using 3-minute stages of increasing workload that estimates aerobic capacity from heart rate response and is terminated at a preset heart rate ceiling.

Static posture assessment

A visual evaluation from lateral, anterior, and posterior views that identifies alignment deviations at the foot and ankle, knee, lumbo-pelvic-hip complex, shoulder, and head.

Overhead squat assessment

A dynamic screen in which the client squats with arms overhead, revealing compensations in ankle mobility, hip and core stability, and shoulder function.

FITT-VP framework

A program design structure specifying Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type, Volume, and Progression for each component of an exercise program.

ACE IFT model

A client-centered four-phase model progressing through Function, Health, Fitness, and Performance, addressing movement, fitness, and performance adaptations in sequence.

Aerobic activity guidelines

Adults should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, or an equivalent combination.

Static stretching prescription

Hold each static stretch 15 to 60 seconds for 2 to 4 repetitions, performed 2 to 3 days per week, ideally when the body is already warm.

Resistance training frequency

General fitness guidelines recommend training each major muscle group 2 to 3 days per week with 1 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions for most adults.

Warm-up purpose

A 5 to 10 minute low-intensity preparatory period that raises core temperature, increases blood flow, and rehearses movement patterns before the conditioning phase.

Talk test

An intensity monitoring method in which a client can hold a conversation during moderate exercise but can speak only a few words at a time during vigorous exercise.

2-for-2 rule

A progression guideline stating that if a client performs two or more repetitions beyond the goal in two consecutive sessions, resistance is increased roughly 2 to 10 percent.

Detraining

Loss of training-induced adaptations that begins within about one to two weeks of stopping training, with cardiorespiratory fitness declining faster than maximal strength.

Exercise regression

Modifying a movement to reduce demand by decreasing range of motion, load, or speed, or by switching from a unilateral to a bilateral variation.

Progression sequence

Systematic progression moves from stable to unstable surfaces, simple to complex movements, and static to dynamic actions, changing only one variable at a time.

Cardiorespiratory progression rule

Increase only one cardiorespiratory variable at a time, frequency, intensity, or duration, and generally limit increases to about 5 to 10 percent per week.

Pain-free range of motion

Exercising only within a range that does not produce sharp or joint pain; pain during a set signals the trainer to stop, modify, or refer.

Scope of practice

The legal boundaries of the trainer role: certified personal trainers may not diagnose, prescribe, treat, or provide individualized medical or therapeutic nutrition advice.

Informed consent

A document explaining the risks, benefits, and alternatives of exercise that a client signs before participation, supporting the client right to make an informed choice.

ACE recertification requirement

ACE-certified professionals must earn 2.0 continuing education credits, equal to 20 contact hours, every two years and hold current CPR/AED certification.

Professional referral

Directing a client to a qualified professional such as a physician, registered dietitian, or physical therapist when a concern falls outside the trainer scope of practice.

Client confidentiality

Keeping client health information, assessment results, and personal details private, sharing them only with written permission or when legally required.

Dual relationship

A situation in which a trainer holds another significant role with a client, such as business partner or romantic partner, which impairs judgment and is avoided.

Emergency action plan

A written, rehearsed protocol specifying roles, emergency contacts, equipment locations, and evacuation routes for responding to injury or sudden illness.

Automated external defibrillator

A device that analyzes heart rhythm and delivers a shock; survival from sudden cardiac arrest falls roughly 7 to 10 percent for each minute defibrillation is delayed.

Heat stroke signs

A medical emergency marked by core temperature above 104 F, confusion, and possible collapse; call emergency services and begin cooling the client immediately.

Valsalva maneuver

Forceful breath holding against a closed glottis that sharply raises blood pressure and intrathoracic pressure; clients should instead exhale during exertion.

Spotting

Assisting a client during free-weight lifts performed over the head or face by positioning to guide, catch, or help rack the load safely.

Bloodborne pathogen precautions

Universal precautions require wearing gloves and disposing of contaminated materials properly, assuming all blood and body fluids are potentially infectious.