National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

The maximal aerobic capacity for a recreationally active 36-year-old patient generally falls within a range that reflects their level of fitness and ability to perform physical activity. In this case, an MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) level of 10 is considered a reasonable estimate for someone who is recreationally active and likely has a good functional capacity.

MET levels are a way to express the intensity of physical activities, with 1 MET representing the energy expenditure while at rest. As the MET level increases, the intensity of physical activity also increases. A MET level of 10 typically corresponds to activities like swimming, running at a moderate pace, or cycling at a good speed, which are achievable by someone who participates in regular recreational activities.

Considering the other MET levels provided: a level of 3 represents light-intensity activities, 6 correlates with moderate-intensity exercises, and 15 signifies very high-intensity efforts that would generally exceed the capacity of an average recreationally active individual. Therefore, the MET level of 10 aligns with the anticipated maximal aerobic capacity for someone who maintains a regular exercise routine, making it the most consistent choice for a recreationally active 36-year-old.