NATA-BOC Therapeutic Intervention and Modalities Questions and Answers

Question 1

An athlete presents with a Grade II lateral ankle sprain sustained one hour ago, characterized by significant effusion and pain.
To best manage the acute inflammation and control edema, which therapeutic modality is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Intermittent compression with cryotherapy

Answer

Continuous therapeutic ultrasound at 1 W/cm²

Answer

Moist heat pack applied for 20 minutes

Answer

Pulsed shortwave diathermy

Question 2

Which of the following patient conditions represents an absolute contraindication for the application of therapeutic ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Over a known or suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Answer

Over a healing surgical incision with intact sutures

Answer

Over a chronic muscle strain with palpable trigger points

Answer

Over a joint contracture to increase tissue extensibility

Question 3

An athletic trainer is designing a rehabilitation plan for an athlete 6 weeks post-Achilles tendon repair. The athlete has good range of motion and is cleared to begin progressive strengthening. Which exercise is the MOST appropriate next step to introduce?

Accepted Answer

Bilateral concentric/eccentric calf raises on a stable surface

Answer

Plyometric box jumps for height

Answer

Single-leg hopping drills for distance

Answer

High-speed isokinetic testing

Question 4

An athletic trainer advises an athlete to use an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, for managing acute musculoskeletal inflammation. What is the primary mechanism of action for this class of drugs?

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting the production of prostaglandins by blocking the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme.

Answer

Acting as a central nervous system depressant to block pain signals.

Answer

Stimulating the release of endogenous opioids like endorphins.

Answer

Blocking nerve impulses at the neuromuscular junction.

Question 5

According to the Maitland grading system for joint mobilizations, what is the primary therapeutic purpose of a Grade IV mobilization?

Accepted Answer

To increase range of motion using small amplitude oscillations performed at the limit of the available range and into tissue resistance.

Answer

To manage pain using large amplitude oscillations within the available range, not reaching the limit.

Answer

To manage pain and spasm using small amplitude oscillations at the beginning of the range.

Answer

To increase range of motion using a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust at the end of the range.

Question 6

To elicit a muscle pumping contraction for edema reduction using high-voltage pulsed current (HVPC), which parameter settings are most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

A 1:5 duty cycle (e.g., 5s on, 25s off) with a frequency of 2-4 pps to elicit muscle twitches.

Answer

Continuous output at a sensory-level intensity with a frequency of 100 pps.

Answer

A 1:1 duty cycle (10s on, 10s off) with a frequency of 50 pps to induce tetany.

Answer

A pre-modulated current with a frequency sweep from 80-150 pps.