NCS Intervention Techniques 2

Question 1

A patient post-stroke exhibits a strong elbow flexor synergy with minimal ability to isolate elbow extension. Which motor learning strategy should guide the initial intervention?

Accepted Answer

Task-specific practice using movement patterns designed to break the synergy

Answer

Repetitive isolated elbow extension against maximal resistance

Answer

Passive range of motion to maintain joint mobility while awaiting spontaneous recovery

Answer

Strengthening of biceps to improve co-contraction stability at the elbow

Question 2

When using functional electrical stimulation (FES) for foot drop in incomplete spinal cord injury, what is the optimal trigger for stimulation during ambulation?

Accepted Answer

A heel switch detecting heel-off to trigger dorsiflexion during swing phase

Answer

Continuous stimulation throughout the entire gait cycle

Answer

EMG activity from the quadriceps to coordinate knee and ankle movement

Answer

Manual activation by the therapist at each step initiation

Question 3

A patient with Parkinson's disease has festinating gait and reduced stride length. Which intervention has the strongest evidence for improving gait velocity and stride length?

Accepted Answer

Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) matched to a target cadence above baseline

Answer

Treadmill training without any external cueing

Answer

Visual floor cueing with transverse lines placed 50 cm apart

Answer

Nordic walking with bilateral poles to engage the upper extremities

Question 4

When performing PNF using the 'hold-relax' technique to improve limited hip flexion, what is the correct sequence?

Accepted Answer

Move to end range → isometric contraction of hip extensors → relax → move to new end range

Answer

Active movement → isometric contraction of hip flexors → relax → active movement to new range

Answer

Passive stretch → isotonic contraction of hip flexors → relax → passive stretch to new range

Answer

Isometric contraction of hip extensors → relax → isotonic contraction of hip flexors to new range

Question 5

During body-weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) for a patient with incomplete SCI who cannot step independently, what is the primary rationale for progressively reducing body weight support over the course of rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

To increase proprioceptive loading and progressively challenge postural control and muscle activation

Answer

To increase cardiovascular training intensity and improve aerobic capacity

Answer

To reduce session costs by decreasing reliance on harness equipment

Answer

To improve upper extremity coordination during parallel bar use

Question 6

A patient with TBI cannot walk safely while performing a cognitive task. According to motor learning principles, what is the BEST initial approach?

Accepted Answer

Master the primary motor task (walking) first, then systematically introduce cognitive challenges

Answer

Practice dual tasks immediately to simulate real-world demands and force neural adaptation

Answer

Focus exclusively on cognitive rehabilitation until cognitive function normalizes

Answer

Prescribe a walker permanently to reduce cognitive demands during ambulation

Question 7

When applying electrical stimulation to manage glenohumeral subluxation in a hemiplegic patient, which muscles are the primary targets to prevent inferior displacement?

Accepted Answer

Posterior deltoid and supraspinatus

Answer

Anterior deltoid and biceps brachii

Answer

Middle deltoid and infraspinatus

Answer

Upper trapezius and serratus anterior