MPT Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary goal of joint mobilization in physical therapy?
- Strengthen surrounding muscles
- Restore normal joint arthrokinematics and reduce pain (Correct answer)
- Improve cardiovascular endurance
- Increase muscle flexibility only
Correct answer: Restore normal joint arthrokinematics and reduce pain
Joint mobilization aims to restore normal arthrokinematic motion, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
Question 2: A patient cannot perform a heel-to-toe walk without losing balance. Which structure is most likely impaired?
- Hip flexors
- Cerebellum or proprioceptive pathways (Correct answer)
- Wrist extensors
- Rotator cuff
Correct answer: Cerebellum or proprioceptive pathways
Tandem gait (heel-to-toe walking) assesses cerebellar function and proprioception; failure suggests compromise of these systems.
Question 3: What does 'end feel' describe in a musculoskeletal assessment?
- Patient's pain level at end of range
- Quality of resistance felt at the end of passive range of motion (Correct answer)
- Muscle strength at end range
- Joint surface appearance
Correct answer: Quality of resistance felt at the end of passive range of motion
End feel is the quality of resistance the clinician perceives at the end of passive joint range of motion, which can be normal or pathological.
Question 4: Which special test assesses for meniscal pathology in the knee?
- Apley compression test (Correct answer)
- Lachman test
- Thomas test
- Ober's test
Correct answer: Apley compression test
The Apley compression test applies axial load with rotation to stress the menisci, reproducing pain in cases of meniscal tear.
Question 5: Which mobilization technique involves movement of one joint surface on the other in a sliding manner?
- Traction
- Glide (translation) (Correct answer)
- Distraction
- Compression
Correct answer: Glide (translation)
A glide or translational mobilization moves one articular surface parallel to the treatment plane of the other surface.
Question 6: What is the Thomas test used to assess?
- Hip abductor tightness
- Hip flexor tightness (iliopsoas/rectus femoris) (Correct answer)
- Gluteus maximus strength
- Piriformis syndrome
Correct answer: Hip flexor tightness (iliopsoas/rectus femoris)
The Thomas test assesses hip flexor tightness by holding one knee to the chest and observing if the contralateral thigh rises from the table.
MPT Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy 2
What is the primary goal of joint mobilization in physical therapy?