CCSP Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Exercise 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which stretching modality produces the greatest acute gain in range of motion when applied immediately before athletic performance?
- Static stretching >60 seconds
- Ballistic stretching
- PNF contract-relax stretching (Correct answer)
- Dynamic stretching
Correct answer: PNF contract-relax stretching
PNF contract-relax produces the greatest acute ROM gains by maximally inhibiting the target muscle via autogenic inhibition, though dynamic stretching is preferred pre-competition.
Question 2: During ACL rehabilitation, the 'safe zone' for open kinetic chain knee extension exercises to minimize anterior tibial shear is:
- 0–30° of knee flexion
- 30–60° of knee flexion
- 60–90° of knee flexion (Correct answer)
- 90–120° of knee flexion
Correct answer: 60–90° of knee flexion
Open kinetic chain knee extension from 60–90° places minimal strain on the ACL graft because the hamstrings co-contract effectively at greater flexion angles.
Question 3: Which criterion is used in the Single-Leg Hop for Distance test to determine return-to-sport readiness after lower extremity injury?
- Absolute distance >1.5 meters
- Limb symmetry index ≥90% (Correct answer)
- Limb symmetry index ≥75%
- Distance equal to athlete's height
Correct answer: Limb symmetry index ≥90%
A limb symmetry index (LSI) ≥90% on the single-leg hop for distance is the standard criterion for safe return-to-sport consideration.
Question 4: Tendinopathy management using heavy slow resistance (HSR) training is distinguished from classic eccentric-only protocols by:
- Excluding concentric loading
- Including both concentric and eccentric phases at slow tempo (Correct answer)
- Focusing on plyometric loading
- Using very light loads to avoid pain
Correct answer: Including both concentric and eccentric phases at slow tempo
HSR training uses full concentric-eccentric cycles at slow tempo (3-0-3) and heavy loads, showing equal or superior outcomes to eccentric-only protocols for patellar tendinopathy.
Question 5: The primary goal of the stabilization phase in a three-phase rehabilitation model is:
- Restoring full strength and power
- Re-establishing neuromuscular control and joint proprioception (Correct answer)
- Returning to sport-specific skills
- Reducing acute inflammation
Correct answer: Re-establishing neuromuscular control and joint proprioception
The stabilization phase focuses on restoring neuromuscular control, proprioception, and postural stability before progressing to strengthening and sport-specific phases.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the 'regional interdependence' model in sports rehabilitation?
- Treating only the site of pain
- Addressing remote dysfunctions that contribute to the primary complaint (Correct answer)
- Prescribing exercises specific to one joint only
- Using the same protocol for all athletes regardless of sport
Correct answer: Addressing remote dysfunctions that contribute to the primary complaint
Regional interdependence recognizes that dysfunctions in remote body regions (e.g., hip weakness causing knee pain) must be addressed to resolve the primary complaint.
Question 7: Chronic ankle instability after recurrent lateral sprains is most commonly attributed to deficits in:
- Peroneal strength and proprioception (Correct answer)
- Tibialis anterior strength
- Gastrocnemius flexibility
- Plantar fascia extensibility
Correct answer: Peroneal strength and proprioception
Chronic ankle instability is primarily linked to peroneal muscle weakness and reduced proprioceptive sensitivity, impairing dynamic joint stabilization.
CCSP Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Exercise 4
Which stretching modality produces the greatest acute gain in range of motion when applied immediately before athletic performance?