Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Exercise Flashcards

The purpose of periodization in a rehabilitation exercise program is to:

Answer: Systematically vary training load and intensity to optimize adaptation and prevent plateau

Periodization systematically varies training variables across macrocycles, mesocycles, and microcycles to optimize adaptation and prevent overtraining.

Core stabilization exercises should progress from:

Answer: Static stability in neutral spine to dynamic functional movements under load

Core rehabilitation follows a progression from static neutral spine holds (e.g., drawing-in, dead bugs) to dynamic functional integration under load.

Rate of force development (RFD) training focuses on improving which athletic quality?

Answer: The ability to generate force rapidly in early muscle contraction

RFD training develops the neuromuscular ability to produce large forces in very short time windows, critical for injury prevention and athletic performance.

Which outcome measure assesses upper extremity disability in patients with shoulder, elbow, and hand conditions?

Answer: DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire

The DASH questionnaire is a validated 30-item patient-reported outcome measure assessing physical function and symptoms in upper extremity conditions.

Balance training using unstable surfaces (e.g., BOSU ball) is most appropriate:

Answer: In later stages of rehabilitation to challenge proprioception and neuromuscular control

Unstable surface training is most effective in later-stage rehab after basic strength and stability are restored, to challenge proprioceptive and neuromuscular control.

The Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound (SMART) goal framework is used in PT to:

Answer: Create clear, trackable functional goals with the patient and care team

SMART goals in physical therapy provide clear, objective, time-bound targets that guide treatment planning and allow progress measurement.