MPT Pediatric Physical Therapy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by a mutation in which gene?
- CFTR gene
- Dystrophin gene (Correct answer)
- FMR1 gene
- SOD1 gene
Correct answer: Dystrophin gene
DMD results from mutations in the dystrophin gene on the X chromosome, leading to absent dystrophin protein and progressive muscle degeneration.
Question 2: Gowers' sign, seen in children with DMD, describes:
- Waddling gait pattern
- Using hands to 'walk up' the legs when rising from the floor (Correct answer)
- Calf pseudohypertrophy
- Inability to raise arms above shoulder height
Correct answer: Using hands to 'walk up' the legs when rising from the floor
Gowers' sign is the characteristic maneuver where a child pushes off their own legs with their hands to stand, compensating for weak hip and knee extensors.
Question 3: Sensory integration therapy, developed by A. Jean Ayres, primarily targets children with:
- Fractures and orthopedic injuries
- Sensory processing disorders affecting functional performance (Correct answer)
- Cardiac defects
- Visual impairments
Correct answer: Sensory processing disorders affecting functional performance
Sensory integration therapy addresses the neurological processing of sensory information to improve adaptive responses and functional participation.
Question 4: Plagiocephaly in infants is best treated during which age range for optimal outcome?
- After 18 months
- Between 4 and 12 months of age (Correct answer)
- Only after cranial suture closure
- During school age
Correct answer: Between 4 and 12 months of age
Cranial molding helmets and repositioning are most effective between 4–12 months when the skull is most malleable and growing rapidly.
Question 5: Which principle guides pediatric physical therapy intervention to maximize motor learning in young children?
- Massed practice of isolated muscle exercises
- Play-based, task-oriented, and child-motivated activities (Correct answer)
- Passive stretching as the primary modality
- Rote repetition of therapist-directed drills only
Correct answer: Play-based, task-oriented, and child-motivated activities
Children learn motor skills best through play-based, meaningful, and self-motivated task practice, applying principles of neuroplasticity and motor learning.
Question 6: The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) is used to assess:
- School-age children's athletic performance
- Gross motor maturation from birth to independent walking (Correct answer)
- Fine motor and hand function
- Cognitive development milestones
Correct answer: Gross motor maturation from birth to independent walking
The AIMS is an observational scale assessing gross motor development from birth to 18 months, evaluating weight-bearing, posture, and antigravity movement.
MPT Pediatric Physical Therapy 2
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by a mutation in which gene?