DPT Therapeutic Interventions & Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique uses alternating contraction of agonist and antagonist to improve range of motion?
- Contract-relax
- Rhythmic stabilization
- Slow reversal hold (Correct answer)
- Hold-relax active movement
Correct answer: Slow reversal hold
Slow reversal hold alternates isotonic contractions of agonist and antagonist, promoting reciprocal inhibition and ROM gains.
Question 2: A patient with chronic low back pain is treated with spinal manipulation. Which grade of Maitland mobilization involves large-amplitude movement at the end of available range?
- Grade I
- Grade II
- Grade III (Correct answer)
- Grade IV
Correct answer: Grade III
Grade III Maitland mobilizations are large-amplitude movements performed at the end of available range.
Question 3: When applying iontophoresis for lateral epicondylitis, which ion polarity should dexamethasone be placed under?
- Positive pole (anode)
- Negative pole (cathode) (Correct answer)
- Either pole is acceptable
- Polarity does not affect drug delivery
Correct answer: Negative pole (cathode)
Dexamethasone carries a negative charge and must be placed under the cathode (negative pole) for effective iontophoretic delivery.
Question 4: Which taping technique is designed to facilitate muscle activation by lifting the skin to improve lymphatic drainage and reduce pain?
- McConnell taping
- Kinesio taping (Correct answer)
- Rigid athletic taping
- Silipos taping
Correct answer: Kinesio taping
Kinesio taping uses elastic tape applied with specific tensions to lift skin, reducing pressure on lymphatic channels and mechanoreceptors.
Question 5: A physical therapist is using joint mobilization for a stiff glenohumeral joint. According to the convex-concave rule, which direction should the therapist mobilize the humeral head to improve flexion?
- Anteriorly
- Superiorly
- Posteriorly (Correct answer)
- Inferiorly
Correct answer: Posteriorly
Per the convex-concave rule, when a convex surface (humeral head) moves on a concave surface (glenoid), glide occurs opposite to bone movement, so posterior glide increases flexion.
Question 6: Which intervention is MOST appropriate as initial treatment for acute compartment syndrome in the lower extremity?
- Ice and compression
- Elevation and NSAIDs
- Emergency fasciotomy (Correct answer)
- Ultrasound and stretching
Correct answer: Emergency fasciotomy
Acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency requiring immediate fasciotomy to decompress the affected compartment and prevent ischemic necrosis.
Question 7: During neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), which parameter primarily determines the comfort of the stimulation?
- Amplitude (intensity)
- Pulse duration (width) (Correct answer)
- Frequency (Hz)
- Duty cycle
Correct answer: Pulse duration (width)
Pulse duration most affects patient comfort; longer durations recruit more sensory fibers and affect accommodation, while shorter durations are generally better tolerated.
DPT Therapeutic Interventions & Techniques 2
Which proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique uses alternating contraction of agonist and antagonist to improve range of motion?