AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

What is the term for the additional oxygen consumed after exercise?

1. Post-exercise energy expenditure

2. Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption

3. Respiratory exchange ratio

4. Aerobic threshold

The correct answer is: Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption

The correct term for the additional oxygen consumed after exercise is Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC). This phenomenon occurs after physical activity has ended, during which the body continues to use oxygen at an elevated rate to restore itself to a resting state. The body processes during this phase include the replenishment of oxygen stores, the conversion of lactate back to glucose, and the repair of muscle tissues. EPOC highlights how the metabolic processes do not immediately return to baseline levels after exercise; rather, there is a period where the body continues to burn calories and utilize oxygen at a higher rate. This effect can vary based on the intensity and duration of the workout performed, with higher intensity typically resulting in a greater EPOC effect. The other terms listed do not accurately represent this specific post-exercise oxygen consumption. Post-exercise energy expenditure generally describes the total calories burned after a workout rather than focusing specifically on oxygen. The respiratory exchange ratio is a measurement useful for evaluating the types of fuels being utilized during exercise but does not pertain to oxygen consumption after exercise. The aerobic threshold refers to the exercise intensity level at which aerobic energy production begins to be supplemented by anaerobic metabolism, not post-exercise oxygen consumption.