NCS Balance and Gait Rehabilitation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What systems contribute to balance?
- Visual, vestibular (inner ear), and somatosensory (proprioception) systems working together (Correct answer)
- Only the eyes
- Only the inner ear
- Only the brain
Correct answer: Visual, vestibular (inner ear), and somatosensory (proprioception) systems working together
Balance requires integration of information from three sensory systems.
Question 2: What is the Berg Balance Scale?
- A 14-item clinical assessment measuring static and dynamic balance abilities (Correct answer)
- A type of exercise equipment
- A weight measurement tool
- A musical instrument
Correct answer: A 14-item clinical assessment measuring static and dynamic balance abilities
The Berg Balance Scale scores from 0-56, with higher scores indicating better balance and lower fall risk.
Question 3: What is gait analysis?
- Systematic study of human walking patterns to identify abnormalities and guide treatment (Correct answer)
- A gate inspection
- A driving test
- A typing speed test
Correct answer: Systematic study of human walking patterns to identify abnormalities and guide treatment
Gait analysis examines walking mechanics including step length, cadence, symmetry, and compensatory strategies.
Question 4: What is the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test?
- A timed test of standing from a chair, walking 3 meters, turning, walking back, and sitting — screening fall risk (Correct answer)
- A running speed test
- A reaction time test
- An intelligence test
Correct answer: A timed test of standing from a chair, walking 3 meters, turning, walking back, and sitting — screening fall risk
TUG scores over 12 seconds suggest increased fall risk in older adults.
Question 5: What are common gait deviations in neurological conditions?
- Hemiplegic gait, scissor gait, festinating gait, ataxic gait, and steppage gait (Correct answer)
- All neurological patients walk normally
- Only limping
- Only wheelchair dependence
Correct answer: Hemiplegic gait, scissor gait, festinating gait, ataxic gait, and steppage gait
Different neurological conditions produce characteristic walking patterns that help with diagnosis.
Question 6: What is task-specific training for gait?
- Practicing the actual task of walking in various real-world conditions to improve functional mobility (Correct answer)
- Only exercising on machines
- Only stretching
- Only strengthening exercises
Correct answer: Practicing the actual task of walking in various real-world conditions to improve functional mobility
Task-specific training applies motor learning principles: practicing the specific skill in varied, functional contexts.
NCS Balance and Gait Rehabilitation 1
What systems contribute to balance?