ATC Therapeutic Intervention & Health Care Administration 4

Question 1

Which cryotherapy application is MOST appropriate for reducing acute post-exercise inflammation in a large muscle group like the quadriceps?

Accepted Answer

Ice pack for 20 minutes with a damp towel barrier

Answer

An ice pack applied for 20 minutes with a barrier is the standard cryotherapy protocol for large superficial muscle groups to achieve adequate tissue cooling without frostbite.

Question 2

A pitcher returns to throwing after a UCL repair. The AT places them on an interval throwing program. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this graduated progression?

Accepted Answer

Progressively load tissue while monitoring for symptoms

Answer

Interval throwing programs systematically increase stress on healing tissue while allowing the AT to monitor for pain or mechanical dysfunction at each stage.

Question 3

Which pharmacological class is commonly used topically in athletic training via iontophoresis to reduce localized inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone)

Answer

Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, is one of the most common medications delivered iontophoretically to reduce localized inflammation.

Question 4

When performing a musculoskeletal evaluation using the HOPS format, what does the second 'O' stand for?

Accepted Answer

Orthopedic testing

Answer

In the HOPS assessment format, the letters stand for History, Observation, Palpation, and Special (orthopedic) tests.

Question 5

A patient is performing proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching. In the 'contract-relax' technique, what does the initial contraction phase accomplish?

Accepted Answer

Triggers autogenic inhibition via Golgi tendon organ activation

Answer

Isometric contraction of the target muscle activates the Golgi tendon organ, which reflexively inhibits the muscle (autogenic inhibition), allowing greater ROM during the subsequent stretch.

(ATC) Certified Athletic Trainer Practice Test

(ATC) Certified Athletic Trainer Practice Test

ATC Therapeutic Intervention & Health Care Administration 4