ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

What minimum resting heart rate measurement is taken at the end of the 3-Minute Step Test?

1. Wrist pulse for 30 seconds

2. Wrist pulse for 1 minute

3. Carotid pulse for 15 seconds

4. Carotid pulse for 1 minute

The correct answer is: Wrist pulse for 1 minute

The minimum resting heart rate measurement taken at the end of the 3-Minute Step Test is the wrist pulse for 1 minute. This duration allows for an accurate assessment of the heart rate after the subject has completed the test, facilitating a more reliable measurement by capturing the heart rate during a steady state. A 1-minute measurement provides a comprehensive count of beats that can account for natural fluctuations, ensuring that the reading reflects the true resting heart rate after the physical exertion of the step test. Shorter measurement durations, such as 30 seconds or 15 seconds, while potentially useful for quick checks, may not yield a stable or accurate representation of the heart rate due to variability within the counting period. A full minute is standard practice in exercise assessment protocols as it enhances precision in clinical and performance evaluations. Using the wrist pulse also permits easier access for both the tester and the participant, especially in practical, real-world settings.