CCRP Exercise Training Practice Test

During exercise, systolic blood pressure (SBP) generally increases with the work rate. This increase occurs due to several physiological mechanisms. As the intensity of exercise rises, the heart pumps more blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the working muscles, leading to an increase in cardiac output. This demand for increased blood flow results in heightened pressure within the arterial system, thus raising SBP.

Additionally, during physical activity, there is a temporary increase in vascular resistance in the non-exercising muscles while the vessels in the exercising muscles dilate to accommodate increased blood flow. The net effect is a rise in SBP as the cardiovascular system responds to the heightened demand placed upon it during active exercise.

This response is typical of most individuals, regardless of age, and reflects the body's ability to adjust to the demands of physical activity efficiently. Other options do not accurately describe the cardiovascular responses during exercise, as SBP does not decrease or remain the same in exercise conditions, and while there may be age-related differences in overall cardiovascular health, the immediate response to exercise in terms of SBP is consistent across varying ages.