Understanding cardiac output is a fundamental concept for fitness professionals, both for passing Anatomy & Physiology exams and applying knowledge in real-world training.
Mastering this concept not only boosts exam confidence but also provides a foundation for designing safe, effective, and targeted client programs.
By dissecting mock questions, identifying key terms, and grasping the physiological mechanisms behind cardiac output, you can bridge the gap between theory and practical coaching, ensuring exam success and high-quality client outcomes.
Below is a level 2 anatomy and physiology mock question. This mock question will not appear in any live exam.
Let’s break down this sample question and understand the answer below.
Mock Question: Which of the following changes primarily contributes to increased cardiac output during exercise?
- A. Increased stroke volume and heart rate
- B. Decreased stroke volume and heart rate
- C. Increased stroke volume only
- D. Decreased heart rate only
Let’s dissect this mock question and answer it together.
1.How to Read the Question Correctly
Looking at this mock question, notice the keywords: “primarily contributes”, “cardiac output”, and “during exercise”. These tell us the examiner (Active IQ) is testing your knowledge of physiological adaptations rather than just definitions. By dissecting the question, you focus on what is being asked and avoid common mistakes, such as selecting only stroke volume or heart rate without considering their combined effect.
When you complete your fitness qualification with Parallel Coaching, we use Active IQ as the awarding body. This ensures your qualifications are Ofqual-recognised and fully accepted by CIMSPA.
2. Understanding Cardiac Output
This question specifically targets cardiac output (CO = stroke volume × heart rate).
Understanding that both stroke volume and heart rate increase during exercise allows you to confidently choose A from the possible answer. Knowing how cardiac output changes in response to exercise is essential for safe programming, particularly when monitoring intensity, heart rate zones, or recovery in clients.
3. Stroke Volume Explained
Stroke volume refers to the amount of blood ejected per heartbeat.
In the context of our mock question, recognizing that stroke volume alone (Option C) is not enough helps explain why A is correct.
Stroke volume increases with exercise due to enhanced venous return and stronger cardiac contractions, but it must work alongside heart rate to raise cardiac output effectively.
4. Heart Rate Explained
Heart rate is the other key variable in cardiac output. The mock question tests whether you understand that both stroke volume and heart rate contribute, not just one.
Sympathetic stimulation during exercise elevates heart rate, ensuring oxygen delivery matches muscular demand, which, combined with stroke volume, maximises cardiac output.
5. Correct Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is A. Increased stroke volume and heart rate.
During exercise, the body requires more oxygen and nutrients for working muscles. Stroke volume rises as the heart pumps more blood per beat, and heart rate increases to pump more frequently.
Together, these adaptations elevate cardiac output efficiently.
Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they fail to account for the combined effect of both variables, which is necessary to meet the physiological demands of exercise. Understanding this helps trainees apply theory to real-world client programming, ensuring safe and effective workouts.
Why Mock Questions Are Helpful but Not Enough
This mock question demonstrates how they reinforce key concepts like cardiac output. However, relying solely on memorised questions limits your broader understanding of physiology. By dissecting questions, identifying key terms, and applying the knowledge to practical training, you build the ability to make informed decisions as a gym instructor or personal trainer, not just pass exams.
Many trainee fitness professionals struggle with learning anatomy and physiology… especially module 1 of 8 which is all about the cardiac system. With so much to cover for the exam, knowing where to start and what to focus on can feel overwhelming.
Parallel Coaching’s Revision Bootcamps provide a clear 5-step system with everything you need: a done-for-you revision schedule, topic-specific tutorials, cheat sheets, and unseen mock questions. You get instant and lifetime access, and over 10,000 learners have already used the bootcamps to pass their fitness anatomy and physiology exams with confidence.
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References:
- King, J. (2023). Physiology, Cardiac Output. StatPearls.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Understanding Cardiac Output and What It Means.
- Osmosis. (2023). Stroke volume, ejection fraction, and cardiac output.
- StatPearls. (2022). Physiology, Stroke Volume.
- Fiveable. (2023). Cardiac Output, Stroke Volume, Heart Rate, Exercise.