AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Which measurement indicates the effectiveness of lung function during an exhalation?

1. Total lung capacity

2. Forced vital capacity

3. Residual lung volume

4. Minute ventilation

The correct answer is: Forced vital capacity

The measurement that indicates the effectiveness of lung function during an exhalation is forced vital capacity (FVC). This metric involves measuring the maximum amount of air a person can forcibly exhale after taking a deep breath. It provides valuable information about the lungs' ability to expel air efficiently and can help identify any restrictions or obstructions in the respiratory system. In contrast, total lung capacity refers to the maximum amount of air the lungs can hold, which includes both the air that can be exhaled and the residual volume that remains in the lungs after exhalation. Residual lung volume measures the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a complete exhalation, which does not directly assess the exhalation effectiveness. Minute ventilation is concerned with the total volume of air breathed in and out per minute, but it doesn't specifically measure how effectively air is expelled during a singular exhalation. Therefore, forced vital capacity is the best indicator of lung function efficiency during exhalation.