Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What measure would a physical therapist assistant likely use to formally measure training intensity during an aerobic exercise program on a treadmill?

1. Percentage of maximal heart rate

2. Oxygen consumption

3. Rating of perceived exertion

4. Blood pressure monitoring

The correct answer is: Percentage of maximal heart rate

Using a percentage of maximal heart rate is a common method for assessing training intensity during aerobic exercise programs, such as treadmill workouts. This approach provides a quantitative measure that can be directly correlated with the individual's exercise capacity and safety parameters. Maximal heart rate is often estimated using the formula 220 minus the individual's age, which helps in determining appropriate training zones. Monitoring this percentage allows the physical therapist assistant to gauge whether a patient is working within a target intensity range that is both effective for improving cardiovascular fitness and safe, especially for those with specific health concerns. While other measures like oxygen consumption can provide valuable information about aerobic demand, they typically require specialized equipment and are not as practical for continuous monitoring during treadmill exercises. The rating of perceived exertion is subjective and relies on an individual's self-assessment, which can introduce variability based on personal feelings rather than an objective measurement. Blood pressure monitoring, while important for overall cardiovascular assessment, does not directly correlate with training intensity on a treadmill. Thus, assessing intensity via a percentage of maximal heart rate offers a systematic and widely accepted approach in the context of safely and effectively guiding aerobic exercise programs.