CCAT Therapeutic Exercise Prescription 5

Question 1

A dog presents with marked quadriceps atrophy six weeks post-TPLO. Which exercise BEST targets concentric quadriceps strengthening at this stage?

Accepted Answer

Sit-to-stand exercises from a raised platform to reduce stifle flexion depth

Answer

Sit-to-stand from a raised surface reduces the flexion angle required, allowing concentric quadriceps contraction at a safe, manageable range for a post-TPLO patient.

Question 2

Which physiological principle explains why aquatic exercise allows greater range of motion with less pain in a patient with osteoarthritis?

Accepted Answer

Buoyancy reduces effective body weight, decreasing compressive joint forces during movement

Answer

Buoyancy offloads body weight proportional to submersion depth, substantially reducing compressive forces on arthritic joints and allowing more comfortable ROM.

Question 3

A therapist notices a dog consistently hikes its hip during the swing phase when walking over cavaletti poles. This compensatory pattern MOST likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Reduced stifle or hock flexion requiring hip circumduction to clear the pole

Answer

Hip hiking during swing phase is a classic compensatory pattern when the distal joints (stifle, hock) lack sufficient flexion to clear an obstacle, requiring circumduction instead.

Question 4

For a cat with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) recovering neurological function, which exercise promotes voluntary hindlimb stepping in a supported patient?

Accepted Answer

Assisted standing with manual facilitation of hindlimb stepping on a land treadmill or foam surface

Answer

Assisted stepping on a land treadmill or foam with manual facilitation activates spinal locomotor networks and promotes voluntary motor recovery in neurologically impaired feline patients.

Question 5

What is the PRIMARY rationale for prescribing 'downhill walking' in a canine rehabilitation program?

Accepted Answer

To eccentrically load the hindlimb extensors and improve deceleration strength

Answer

Downhill walking places the hindlimb extensors in an eccentric contraction during the loading phase, building deceleration strength and gluteal endurance.

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Therapeutic Exercise Prescription 5