ATC Rehabilitation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which criterion is MOST commonly used to determine readiness for return to sport after lower extremity injury?
- Absence of swelling for 48 hours
- Limb symmetry index of ≥90% strength (Correct answer)
- Pain-free range of motion equal to contralateral side
- Completion of 4 weeks of physical therapy
Correct answer: Limb symmetry index of ≥90% strength
A limb symmetry index of ≥90% on strength testing is a widely accepted criterion for return-to-sport clearance after lower extremity injury.
Question 2: An athlete demonstrates excessive trunk lean toward the stance leg during a single-leg squat. Which muscle is MOST likely weak?
- Quadriceps
- Soleus
- Gluteus medius (Correct answer)
- Hamstrings
Correct answer: Gluteus medius
Weakness of the gluteus medius causes a Trendelenburg sign or compensatory trunk lean toward the stance leg to maintain balance.
Question 3: What is the recommended rest interval between high-intensity plyometric training sessions to allow adequate recovery?
- 12 hours
- 24 hours
- 48-72 hours (Correct answer)
- 96 hours
Correct answer: 48-72 hours
Plyometric training requires 48-72 hours of recovery between sessions due to the high eccentric loading and neuromuscular demands.
Question 4: Which taping technique is MOST effective for reducing patellofemoral pain syndrome symptoms during rehabilitation?
- Longitudinal arch taping
- McConnell patellar taping (Correct answer)
- Achilles tendon taping
- Kinesiology tape for IT band
Correct answer: McConnell patellar taping
McConnell patellar taping repositions the patella medially and has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing patellofemoral pain during exercise.
Question 5: During shoulder rehabilitation following a rotator cuff repair, when is it appropriate to begin active-assisted range of motion?
- Immediately post-surgery
- After surgeon clearance, typically 4-6 weeks post-op (Correct answer)
- After 12 weeks of immobilization
- Only after full passive ROM is achieved
Correct answer: After surgeon clearance, typically 4-6 weeks post-op
Active-assisted ROM typically begins after surgeon clearance around 4-6 weeks to allow initial healing of the repaired rotator cuff tissue.
Question 6: What is the primary benefit of eccentric muscle training in tendinopathy rehabilitation?
- Rapid pain elimination
- Stimulation of tendon collagen remodeling and tensile strength (Correct answer)
- Prevention of muscle atrophy only
- Increased joint range of motion
Correct answer: Stimulation of tendon collagen remodeling and tensile strength
Eccentric loading stimulates collagen synthesis and remodeling in tendons, improving the structural integrity and load tolerance of the tendon.
Question 7: Which assessment tool is used to evaluate functional movement quality and identify asymmetries during rehabilitation?
- Biodex system
- Functional Movement Screen (FMS) (Correct answer)
- KT-1000 arthrometer
- Cybex dynamometer
Correct answer: Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) evaluates seven fundamental movement patterns to identify asymmetries and movement quality deficits.
ATC Rehabilitation 3
Which criterion is MOST commonly used to determine readiness for return to sport after lower extremity injury?