Therapeutic Intervention and Modalities Flashcards
6 cards from real NATA-BOC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Therapeutic Intervention and Modalities flashcards as text
An athletic trainer is selecting a modality to reduce acute post-operative edema after ankle surgery. Which modality is most appropriate?
Answer: Intermittent pneumatic compression with cryotherapy
Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) combined with cryotherapy is the most effective modality for reducing acute post-operative edema. The compression displaces fluid while cold reduces swelling and inflammation.
Which manual therapy technique uses oscillatory movements graded I-IV to restore joint mobility?
Answer: Maitland joint mobilization
Maitland joint mobilization uses oscillatory passive movements graded I through IV, based on the range of joint motion. Lower grades (I-II) are used for pain management, while higher grades (III-IV) are used to improve joint mobility.
An athletic trainer is using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to address quadriceps weakness after ACL surgery. Which parameter setting is most effective for strengthening?
Answer: Frequency of 35-80 Hz with a duty cycle of 1:3 to 1:5
NMES for strengthening uses frequencies of 35-80 Hz to produce tetanic muscle contractions, with an on:off (duty cycle) ratio of 1:3 to 1:5 to allow muscle recovery between contractions and prevent premature fatigue.
What is the primary physiological mechanism by which cryotherapy reduces pain?
Answer: Decreased nerve conduction velocity in sensory neurons
Cryotherapy primarily reduces pain by decreasing nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in sensory neurons. Slower nerve conduction reduces the transmission of pain signals to the central nervous system, producing an analgesic effect.
Which therapeutic exercise technique involves the use of slow, controlled movements through a full range of motion while manually applying a stretch at the end range?
Answer: Contract-relax PNF stretching
Contract-relax PNF stretching involves the patient actively contracting the target muscle isometrically, then the athletic trainer moves the limb through range of motion, applying a stretch at the new end range. This uses autogenic inhibition to increase flexibility.
An athletic trainer is using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to promote tissue healing. Which wavelength range is typically used in therapeutic laser applications?
Answer: 600-1000 nm (red to near-infrared)
Low-level laser therapy uses wavelengths in the 600-1000 nm range (red to near-infrared spectrum). These wavelengths penetrate tissue to stimulate cellular activity, enhance ATP production, and promote tissue healing.