AK Equipment Operation & Maintenance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In applied kinesiology, an inclinometer is used to measure:
- Muscle electrical activity
- Range of motion in degrees (Correct answer)
- Limb circumference changes
- Skin galvanic response
Correct answer: Range of motion in degrees
An inclinometer measures joint range of motion in degrees, providing objective data to complement AK muscle testing findings.
Question 2: A reflex hammer's rubber head has hardened and cracked. This defect will most likely cause:
- Inaccurate patient weight measurements
- Inconsistent deep tendon reflex elicitation (Correct answer)
- Electromagnetic interference with muscle testing equipment
- Errors in range of motion documentation
Correct answer: Inconsistent deep tendon reflex elicitation
A cracked or hardened reflex hammer head delivers inconsistent stimulus force, making deep tendon reflex assessment unreliable.
Question 3: When disinfecting an AK treatment table between patients, which surface areas require particular attention to prevent cross-contamination?
- Metal frame only
- Headpiece, face cradle, and any upholstered contact surfaces (Correct answer)
- Only visibly soiled areas
- Underside of the table
Correct answer: Headpiece, face cradle, and any upholstered contact surfaces
Headpiece, face cradle, and upholstered contact surfaces harbor the highest pathogen load from direct patient contact and require thorough disinfection.
Question 4: A goniometer used for joint angle measurement in AK evaluation should be checked for accuracy by:
- Comparing readings against a calibrated protractor or reference standard (Correct answer)
- Asking the patient if the measurement feels correct
- Checking that both arms are the same length visually
- Verifying it was purchased from an approved supplier
Correct answer: Comparing readings against a calibrated protractor or reference standard
Goniometer accuracy is verified by comparing its readings against a calibrated protractor or known reference standard at multiple angles.
Question 5: Electromagnetic muscle testing devices (digital muscle testers) in AK practice should be zeroed (tared) at what point in the testing protocol?
- Only at the start of the day
- Before each individual test to account for drift (Correct answer)
- After every 10 tests
- When switching between patients only
Correct answer: Before each individual test to account for drift
Zeroing before each individual test eliminates measurement drift and ensures each reading reflects true muscle force output.
Question 6: Which maintenance task is MOST important for the longevity of hydraulic lift mechanisms on adjustable treatment tables?
- Daily wiping of the cylinder exterior
- Regular fluid level checks and replacement per manufacturer schedule (Correct answer)
- Painting the cylinder to prevent rust
- Lubricating the table top with silicone spray
Correct answer: Regular fluid level checks and replacement per manufacturer schedule
Regular hydraulic fluid level checks and replacement per manufacturer schedule prevent seal failure and maintain safe lifting capacity.
Question 7: A portable muscle testing station's battery indicator shows 20% charge during a clinical AK session. Best practice is to:
- Continue testing and recharge after the session
- Plug into AC power immediately to prevent data loss
- Complete only essential tests and schedule recharge before next session (Correct answer)
- Ignore the indicator as it is often inaccurate
Correct answer: Complete only essential tests and schedule recharge before next session
Completing only essential tests and scheduling a recharge prevents mid-test power failure that could compromise data integrity and patient care continuity.
AK Equipment Operation & Maintenance 3
In applied kinesiology, an inclinometer is used to measure: