ASEP Written Contest study plan

Diagram the cardiac cycle and label systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure events, then state how each responds to acute aerobic exercise.

Explain the Fick principle and calculate oxygen uptake from cardiac output and arteriovenous oxygen difference for two worked cases.

Compare the three energy systems on rate, yield, and fatigue profile, and assign the dominant system to four sample activities.

Describe neural and muscular adaptations to resistance training and distinguish them from aerobic adaptations.

Interpret graded exercise test data (heart rate, blood pressure, RPE, ventilation thresholds) and identify test termination criteria.

Calculate and interpret relative and absolute oxygen uptake, MET values, and target heart rate ranges using both percentage methods.

Select appropriate test protocols for apparently healthy, older, and athletic populations and justify each choice.

Apply FITT-VP principles to draft an aerobic prescription for a sedentary adult.

Design a 12-week periodized resistance program that specifies load, volume, rest intervals, and progression rules.

Prescribe flexibility and neuromotor training using established frequency and duration guidelines.

Calculate training load progression and explain how to apply the 10% rule and autoregulation to avoid overtraining.

Write measurable short- and long-term goals for two clients with different readiness levels.

Contrast exercise testing modifications for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes, including contraindications and monitoring needs.

Explain how pulmonary disease, obesity, and osteoporosis alter exercise prescription variables.

Identify absolute and relative contraindications to exercise testing and state the appropriate action for each.

Describe the role of supervision level and emergency response planning in clinical exercise settings.

Select and sequence health-related fitness assessments for cardiorespiratory endurance, strength, flexibility, and body composition.

Calculate BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and estimated body fat from skinfold data, then interpret results against reference standards.

Evaluate dietary intake patterns against established macronutrient and hydration recommendations for active adults.

Explain energy balance and the evidence-based considerations for weight management and sport nutrition timing.

Analyze squat, deadlift, and overhead press mechanics using joint action, muscle action, and lever terminology.

Identify common movement compensations and state the likely mobility or stability limitation behind each.

Apply scope-of-practice, informed consent, confidentiality, and referral principles to four ethical scenarios.

Describe facility risk management, equipment inspection, and emergency action plan components.

Appraise study designs by level of evidence and identify threats to internal and external validity.

Interpret effect size, confidence intervals, and statistical versus practical significance in exercise research.

Translate a published exercise intervention into practical programming decisions while noting its limitations.

Revisit clinical exercise physiology weak points using missed-question logs and targeted review.

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under test-day conditions and record domain-level scores.

Review every missed item and write a corrected rationale citing the underlying principle.

Rehearse high-yield calculations (METs, target heart rate, body composition, oxygen uptake) until error-free.

Consolidate weak domains into a final one-page recall sheet and verify readiness against the exam blueprint.