Exercise Science Senior Synthesis – Interpretation of Results – Pre-test

Total Points – 75 + 12 Writing Points

Brianna Jones

4. A
Risk Factor Pertinence to client
Age My client is 31 years old, which is
below the age where the risk of
disease increases (55 years old).
Family History All spoken and written history
does not disclose any
cardiovascular family history.
Cigarette Smoking My client has never smoked
cigarettes or e-cigarettes.
Physical Inactivity This is a risk factor for my client as
she does not regularly meet ACSM
guidelines for activity and is
mostly sedentary.
Body mass index/waist My client’s BMI (29.4 kg/m2) just
circumference under the risk factor value (30
kg/m2). However, her waist
circumference is above the risk
factor value which causes risk.
Lipids This cannot be counted as a risk
her cholesterol value is unknown.
Blood Glucose This cannot be counted as a risk
as her blood glucose level is
unknown.
After discussing health history with my client and comparing it to the common signs and symptoms of

cardiovascular disease, I have determined that she only possesses one of these indicators. With very mild exercise or

movement, my client becomes very short of breath and winded. She has diagnosed asthma that becomes aggravated

with exercise. The shortness of breath decreased after the use of an inhaler but was still observable at rest and

during exercise. Because of this diagnosis, according to ACSM, my client should receive physician clearance before

beginning a progressive program. Before beginning any testing, we reviewed her physician clearance together and

confirmed that she was allowed to participate.

B. There were no previous or current injuries that would cause any complications during a progressive exercise

program. The only disease that is present is asthma. However, this is controlled by an inhaler. My client reports that

she takes 2 puffs before beginning any type of exercise as a precaution and for her own comfort. Other medications

(prescription and over the counter) that she takes are explained below:
 - Zyrtec: 10mg dosage; used frequently for seasonal allergies; no severe side effects but may cause nausea,

dizziness, and headaches; client reports none of these side effects

- Effexor Xr: 75mg dosage; used as an antidepressant; severe side effects include blurred vision, difficulty

breathing, low blood sodium, and seizures; more common side effects are headache, tremors, fast heartbeat,

changes in weight, and increased sweating; client reports increased sweating and headaches

- Auvelity: 45mg-105mg dosage; used an antidepressant; some side effects include increased blood pressure,

increased energy, excessive sweating, and dizziness; client reports excessive sweating and high energy

Asthma did not impact exercise response once the client used her inhaler. Her breathing became more

controlled, and she was able to complete all the tests while maintaining a safe heart rate and RPE level. Her resting

heart rate was at the higher end of the normal resting values. However, I am not sure if this was due to \ medication,

asthma, or nervousness about our first session. Resting heart rate will be monitored at the beginning of every

session. There were no other difficulties regarding her medical or health status that occurred during testing.

C. My client has a very positive and optimistic attitude toward this program. On multiple occasions, she has stated

that she is excited to incorporate exercise into her routine. During our first meeting, she said that she was nervous

about some of the aerobic tests as she thought she would struggle or not be able to complete them. After finishing

each without much struggle, she felt pride in herself and even more excitement. My client learned that there are a

lot more ways to assess general fitness rather than just looking at basic concepts such as overall speed or body

weight. During most assessments, she was very engaged and enjoyed seeing the different equipment that is used to

assess fitness. Finally, my client mainly asked questions during the muscular fitness assessments. During the YMCA

bench test, she stated that she is not a fan of using a barbell and would prefer to use dumbbells. She had asked me if

using dumbbells would give her the same effect and results that the bar would have. I responded by telling her that it

is the same motion and will work the same muscle groups – it will just give her more stability in the exercise. She also

asked if we could incorporate movements that will help during rock climbing. I responded by giving a few examples of

exercises that may help and said that I would try my best to make her program as individualized as possible.
8.
A. Resting HR Score Percentile Rating
1. 94bpm N/A N/A
2. The average resting heart rate is between 60-100 beats per minute. 94 bpm is on the high end of the
normal values. This could have been due to nervousness for the first session or a prescription medication.
Resting heart rate will be assessed prior to each session to determine her normal, average resting heart rate.
3. To lower the resting heart rate value, moderate cardiovascular activity will be included in the prescription at
least 3 days per week for about 20-25 minutes. Engaging in more cardiovascular exercise will cause the heart
and cardiovascular system to become acclimated to the needs of the body and require less beats to give the
body the blood and oxygen it requires. Every session, resting heart rate will be assessed to determine if the
value is decreasing.

B. Resting Blood Pressure Score Rating

1. 128/86 mmHg Elevated/Hypertension Stage 1
2. A normal resting blood pressure has a systolic pressure less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure less
than 80 mmHg. In this case, the systolic pressure is just elevated. However, it is just underneath stage 1
hypertension. The diastolic pressure is considered stage 1 hypertension. Her resting blood pressure was not
much higher than what is considered a “normal” resting blood pressure. Prescription medication could be
slightly raising her blood pressure.
3. Although the resting blood pressure is not extremely elevated, it is still recommended to follow the ACSM
guidelines for cardiovascular exercise to decrease the values to normal levels. As mentioned, her prescription
will incorporate adequate cardiovascular exercise to lower both heart rate and blood pressure to increase the
health of the heart and cardiovascular system.

C. Body Composition
1. Body composition explains the percentage of each component that makes up an individual’s body, such as
fat mass, bone, and muscle mass. This is more inclusive and takes more into account than a simple body
weight value. However, body mass index uses a ratio of height in meters to weight in kilograms to determine
someone’s classification of obesity or lack thereof. Underweight is considered a body mass index of less than
18.5 kg/m2 and when a person exhibits a smaller weight than suggested for their height. Overweight is valued
between 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 and is an individual who exhibits a higher-than-average value for their height.
Finally, obesity is anyone with a body mass index over 30.0 kg/m2. Obesity is split up into 3 different classes –
I, II, and III – to better explain the difference in ratio between weight and height.
Different tests are used to measure body composition because each test has its own standard for accuracy,
stipulations for use, and sources of error. For example, if all the muscle is not removed from the pinch during
a skinfold analysis, the resulting percentage may be higher due to larger values in the raw data. This is also
true with the BIA analysis – if the client has drunk water recently and not used the restroom, the body fat
percentage may be portrayed as higher. Different tests may also assess for different things. Skinfold assesses
for overall body fat while waist circumference assesses for body fat in the trunk area. My client would like to
lose weight, but her main goal is to simply feel healthy. Her reasoning for losing weight is not necessarily for
the “look” but rather for the feeling and health benefits. Because of this, she does not have a specific goal
weight in mind but would like to see her body mass index and body fat percentage decrease through the
program.

Weight & Height Score Suggested Weight Range

1. 182 lbs, 82.7 kg, 66 inches 114.4 lbs-154 lbs (52-70kg)
2. My client’s weight is above normal values for her height. This also means that she is significantly
above the suggested weight range for her height. To reach this weight range, my client would
have to lose 30 or more pounds and then maintain this weight through diet and exercise.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Score Percentile Rating

1. 29.44 kg/m2 N/A Overweight
 2. This body mass index is categorized as overweight but is just below the range for class I obesity.
The ratio of her height and weight is not balanced and her weight is higher than average for her
height. Having a body mass index of this value shows increased risk cardiovascular, metabolic, or
renal diseases. Her high BMI could be due to lack of physical activity or poor diet.

Waist Circumference Score Percentile Rating

1. 38 inches N/A High Risk
2. Waist circumference assesses how much body fat is present just in the trunk area of the body.
Body fat in this area surrounds the vital organs. My client’s waist circumference displays a high
risk for diseases or organ malfunction due to the high amount of fat in the trunk area. She
currently does not display any symptoms of these diseases.

BIA Score Percentile Rating

st
1. 40% 1 Very Poor
2. The BIA assessment detected a high percentage of body fat in my client. All the stipulations, such as
hydration, restroom use, caffeine intake, nutrition, and previous exercise were met. All of my client’s
information was properly loaded into the scale. This means that there was little room for error during
this assessment. Having a poor body fat percentage increases the risk of disease and poor health.

Skinfolds Score Percentile Rating

1. 27% 25th Poor
2. This method gives more room for error which is why the skinfold and BIA values may be
different. This assessment is also used to find an overall body fat percentage, but it is possible
that the techniques used had errors. This percentage is still in the poor category which increases
risk of disease.
3. Various sites are used in a skinfold assessment because body fat can be settled in different
locations on different individuals. In other words, there can be more body fat at one location
than there is at another. Obtaining values from multiple sites on the body ensures that data is
taken from all common areas of fat mass to calculate the most accurate percentage.
4. My client’s body composition falls into the poor category due to the high body fat percentage,
waist circumference, and body mass index. All these values show that she is at risk for multiple
different types of diseases. To enhance body composition, her prescription will focus on
adequate cardiovascular exercise that meets the ACSM guidelines as well as strength training
exercises on 2 days of the week. Cardiovascular exercise will allow her to burn calories and
decrease fat mass while strength training will tone the areas that lose the fat mass.

D. Cardiovascular Fitness
1. Cardiovascular fitness is how well the cardiovascular and respiratory systems can work together to supply
the body with blood and oxygen during exercise. Maximal oxygen consumption is how much oxygen the body
requires to maintain exercise. This is mostly measured based on the need of the lower appendages as they
require the most oxygen during exercise due to the large muscle groups. My client performed two tests to
assess cardiorespiratory fitness because her maximal oxygen uptake may be stronger during one mode of
exercise than another. The two values can show where the client needs to focus on improvement. The values
can also help to determine the best mode for cardiovascular fitness. Cardiovascular fitness is important to my
client because she has a young daughter. She wants her child to grow up seeing an example of a healthy
individual who can engage in continuous exercise. She also finds it important to be able to be active with her
daughter to spend more quality time together.

Bike Test Score Percentile Rating

 1. 64.51 mL/kg/min N/A Superior
2. My client’s VO2MAX on the cycle ergometer was very high compared to her VO2MAX from another
assessment. Her value exceeds the norms given for her age range by a large amount. This value
shows that her body is extremely equipped to endure prolonged exercise. This could mean she is
very experienced with this mode of cardiovascular exercise or there was an error during the
assessment. Her VO2MAX value is consistent with data taken during the assessment but not with
the observed behavior.

One Stage Submaximal Treadmill Walk Test

Score Percentile Rating
1. 31.8 ml/kg/min 55th Fair
2. This value means that my client has a fair level of cardiorespiratory fitness when walking at a
speed of 2.8 mph. This means that she is taking in a fair amount of oxygen to engage in
prolonged exercise. She walks often for her job and when taking care of her daughter. She was
observably winded during the assessment, but this was likely due to her asthma.
3. The two tests gave results that were not similar. The YMCA Bike Test gave a much higher result in
terms of cardiovascular fitness. I believe that the technique used during the test was correct. My
client’s heart rate was very controlled on the bike, however, it could have been an error with the
Polar monitor connecting to the bike and not displaying the correct measurement. I did not take
any heart rate manually since the values being displayed were within range and physiologically
made sense. It is likely that I will ask my client if she is comfortable performing another YMCA
Bike Test midway through the program to see if the value has changed. The VO2MAX value
produced by the Treadmill Walk Test makes more sense based on her current exercise and
activity.
4. My client has a decently high VO2MAX from the YMCA Bike Test but shows a lower value from the
Treadmill Walk Test. This means that she either has more experience using a bike, the testing
technique was done incorrectly, or the Polar heart monitor was displaying slightly higher or
lower measurements. Her prescription will contain adequate cardiovascular exercise, mainly on
the treadmill or the bike as requested by the client. The speeds and resistance will be similar or
less than those used during the assessments, although she tolerated those well.

E. Muscular Fitness
1. Muscular fitness is an overall explanation of the ability of the muscles function to produce
movement. Muscular strength is the ability of the muscles to oppose resistance and move
weight. Muscular endurance is the ability of the muscles to move resistance for an extended
period of time. Having high strength and endurance generally means that the individual has high
muscular fitness. Having enhanced muscular strength does not always mean that muscular
endurance will be superior, but they work together to determine muscular fitness. Muscular
fitness is important to my client because she feels as if her quality of life will increase
tremendously. Not only will feeling stronger make her more confident, but it will allow her to
complete housework more efficiently and provide even better care to her daughter.

Score Percentile Rating

Pre-values: Test #1 Grip Strength 31.0 kg Poor
Test #2 YMCA Bench Press 12 reps Poor
Test #3 Push-Up Test client could not complete
Test #4 One-minute Bent Knee Sit Up 26 reps Fair
Test #5 Upper Body multiple RM 3 reps, 85 lbs
Test #6 Lower Body multiple RM 3 reps, 105 lbs
2. These results show that my client’s muscular fitness is relatively poor. Her lower body exhibits
enhanced muscular strength; however, she struggles with endurance. Some of the repetitions
are high in value, but she struggled with completing them. Most assessments show her in the
 poor category for her age group. She states that she has very little experience with strength
training and wants to learn how to increase her muscular fitness.
3. My client does not exhibit enhanced muscular strength due to her lack of strength training. Her
body is not equipped to handle the increased load and repetitions. There was one assessment
that she could not complete due to the lack of strength in her upper body and core. The exercise
prescription will focus on increasing muscular strength and endurance in all muscle groups.
Exercises will be prescribed specifically based on the needs of the body and the client’s needs. It
is likely that her upper body and core will need the most training to increase muscular fitness,
but she will be given a well-rounded strength training program to tone her body.

F. Flexibility
1. Flexibility is the ability of the muscles to stretch past their normal ability. All joints in the body show some
extent of flexibility, therefore different tests need to be utilized to determine flexibility at all of these
locations. For example, an individual may exhibit better flexibility in their lower extremities compared to
their upper extremities, so multiple assessments are used to see where the individual needs to improve.
Flexibility is important to my client because movement will be more comfortable. She has stated that certain
movements are slightly uncomfortable due to her muscles being tight. She will be able to move around
better and with more comfort once her muscles are stretched and flexibility is enhanced.

Sit and Reach Score Percentile Rating

1. 22cm Needs Improvement

Back Scratch Score Percentile Rating

1. -15cm (R ) Fail (R )
0 cm (L) Pass (L)
2. My client was only able to pass the back scratch test with one arm. Her left arm has
significantly more flexibility than the right, which is uncommon as her right arm is her
dominant arm. The muscles surrounding her shoulder joint could be tight and not allowing
for much movement.
3. My client’s flexibility needs improvement in all areas. Her prescription will focus on ways to
loosen the muscles that are tight, which seems to be in her upper body and shoulders.
Strength training exercises will involve movements that will loosen the muscles and increase
flexibility.
Fitness Profile – Pre-Assessments

Name: Date: September 12, 2023

Resting Blood Pressure: 128/86 mmHg X Strength _____ Needs Improvement

Resting Heart Rate: 94 bpm __ Strength X Needs Improvement

1. Cardiovascular Fitness
Test: YMCA Bike Test Score: 64.51 mL/kg/min _X_Strength __ Needs Improvement
Test: Submaximal Walk Test Score: 31.8 mL/kg/min ____Strength X Needs Improvement

Recommendations: Follow the ACSM guidelines for cardiovascular fitness by engaging in moderate
cardiovascular exercise (HR at about 110-130bpm) for a minimum of 30 minutes on at least 3 days per
week. Incorporate cardiovascular exercise into daily routine. If there is a choice between stairs and an
elevator, take the stairs. Take even a short walk on days we do not meet to train your heart and
cardiovascular systems to sustain exercise.

2. Muscular Fitness
Test: Grip Strength
Test: YMCA Bench Press
Test: Push-Up Test
Test: Bent Knee Sit Ups
Test: Upper Body RM
Test: Lower Body RM
Score: 31.0 kg _______Strength _X_Needs Improvement
Score: 12 reps _______Strength _X_Needs Improvement
Score: 0 Strength _X_Needs Improvement
Score: 26 reps _______Strength _X_Needs Improvement
Score: 3 reps, 85 lbs _ _X__Strength ________ Needs Improvement
Score: 3 reps, 105 lbs _ _X__Strength ________ Needs Improvement

Recommendations: Incorporate muscular fitness into daily exercise routine. Follow the ACSM guidelines
by completing muscular fitness activities at least 2 times per week, doing 8-12 repetitions for 8-10
exercises. Focus on upper body muscles as they show the weakest performance. Ensure you are getting a
well-rounded workout by utilizing all major muscle groups during sessions. On days we do not meet,
engage in simple bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges, etc.

3. Flexibility
Test: Sit and Reach Score: 22cm _______Strength _X_ Needs Improvement
Test: Back Scratch Score: -15cm (R ) _______Strength _X_Needs Improvement
0cm (L)

Recommendations: Include flexibility exercises during all exercise sessions. Do not complete these in
replacement of a workout, but movements that increase flexibility of the muscles will be included in the
prescription. Spend at least 5-10 minutes daily stretching – either when you wake up or before you go to
bed. Do not repeat the same flexibility movements every day. Do not stretch to the point of pain, but
allow yourself to feel slight discomfort – this will lessen with improvement.

4. Body Composition
Weight: 182lbs, 82.7kg Height: 66 inches
Test: Body Mass Index Score: 29.44 kg/m2 ______Strength _X_Needs Improvement
Test: Waist Circumference Score: 38 inches _____Strength _X_Needs Improvement
Test: BIA Score: 40% _____Strength _X_Needs Improvement
Test: Skinfolds Score: 27% _____Strength _X_Needs Improvement

Recommendations: Follow the ACSM guidelines for cardiovascular and muscular fitness to decrease
body mass index and body fat percentage. Make smart choices in terms of diet and increase daily water
intake. If you have any further questions about diet, I recommend you reach out to a dietician or
nutritionist. Spend time making conscious choices in terms of health and exercise.

5. Neuromuscular

BESS Score: Left Leg: 9 total _______Strength _X_Needs Improvement

Y-Balance Score: 88% Right _______Strength _X_Needs Improvement

97% Left

Recommendations: Complete exercises that require balance skills to enhance balance in a normal setting.
At home, simply stand on each foot for a minute at a time to train the neuromuscular system. Incorporate
balance activities into daily routine.