CCAT Therapeutic Exercise Prescription 2

Question 1

When prescribing land-based therapeutic exercises for a dog recovering from tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), which phase-specific principle should guide early post-operative programming?

Accepted Answer

Prioritize passive range of motion and weight shifting before active exercise

Answer

Early post-operative TPLO rehab focuses on passive ROM and controlled weight-shifting exercises to reduce swelling and restore neuromuscular control before progressing to active strengthening.

Question 2

A therapist wants to increase the proprioceptive challenge of a sit-to-stand exercise for a dog with hip dysplasia. Which modification best achieves this goal?

Accepted Answer

Performing the exercise on an inflatable balance disc

Answer

An inflatable balance disc destabilizes the base of support, requiring greater proprioceptive and neuromuscular input during the sit-to-stand movement.

Question 3

Which dosing parameter is most important to adjust first when a canine patient shows excessive fatigue during a therapeutic exercise session?

Accepted Answer

Duration or number of repetitions per set

Answer

Reducing repetitions or session duration is the most immediate and appropriate adjustment when a patient exhibits fatigue, preventing overload and potential re-injury.

Question 4

Cavaletti poles are incorporated into a rehabilitation program. Which therapeutic goal do they PRIMARILY address?

Accepted Answer

Improving stride length, limb clearance, and conscious proprioception

Answer

Cavaletti poles challenge the patient to lift each limb deliberately, improving stride length, limb clearance, and proprioceptive awareness during gait.

Question 5

For a feline patient with degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the elbows, which exercise approach is most appropriate due to the cat's typical behavioral response to handling?

Accepted Answer

Short, low-stress sessions using food motivation and environmental enrichment

Answer

Cats tolerate short, low-stress sessions best; food-motivated, enrichment-based exercises reduce anxiety and improve compliance while achieving therapeutic goals.

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Therapeutic Exercise Prescription 2