Therapeutic Exercise Prescription Flashcards
7 cards from real CCAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Therapeutic Exercise Prescription flashcards as text
When introducing a balance board to a canine patient for the first time, which progression sequence is MOST appropriate?
Answer: Begin with forelimbs only on a stationary board, then progress to all-four and eventually dynamic movement
Introducing a balance board progressively—forelimbs first on a stationary surface before advancing to all-four and dynamic challenges—ensures patient confidence and safety.
Which outcome measure is MOST appropriate for objectively tracking improved hindlimb strength over a rehabilitation program?
Answer: Force plate ground reaction force data comparing affected and unaffected limbs
Force plate analysis quantifies peak vertical force and impulse, providing objective, reproducible data on limb loading symmetry and strength improvement over time.
A therapist is designing an exercise program for a geriatric dog with muscle atrophy secondary to osteoarthritis. Which principle should guide the intensity of resistance exercises?
Answer: Sub-maximal load that can be sustained without compensatory movement or pain signs
Sub-maximal, pain-free resistance allows consistent training that builds muscle mass without causing compensatory patterns or exacerbating arthritic pain.
Which aquatic exercise parameter should be decreased to REDUCE the cardiovascular demand on a dog during underwater treadmill therapy?
Answer: Belt speed
Reducing belt speed directly decreases the intensity of locomotion effort, lowering cardiovascular and muscular demand during underwater treadmill therapy.
A dog with cervical spinal cord injury (incomplete) is beginning therapeutic exercise. Which activity carries the HIGHEST risk of exacerbating the neurological injury?
Answer: High-impact jumping activities that generate axial compressive forces
High-impact jumping generates significant axial compressive and shear forces at the cervical spine, risking further spinal cord damage in an incomplete injury patient.
The 'land mine' (nose-to-chest) cookie stretch is prescribed for a dog with thoracic kyphosis. What is the intended therapeutic effect?
Answer: Actively flexing the cervicothoracic junction to stretch thoracic extensors and improve ROM
The nose-to-chest stretch actively flexes the cervicothoracic region, stretching tight thoracic extensors and improving flexion ROM at a commonly stiff area.
When prescribing a home exercise program (HEP) for a client, which factor is MOST critical to long-term compliance and safety?
Answer: Providing written and video instructions for a small number of clearly demonstrated exercises
Written and video instructions for a concise exercise set maximize client recall, correct technique, and long-term adherence compared to verbal-only guidance.