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

Task-specific practice that incorporates synergy-breaking movement patterns leverages cortical plasticity and is the evidence-based approach for post-stroke upper extremity rehabilitation.

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

A heel switch detecting heel-off provides phase-appropriate FES of the tibialis anterior during swing, mimicking normal gait neurophysiology.

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

Rhythmic auditory stimulation provides an external temporal rhythm that bypasses defective internal timing circuits in Parkinson's disease, with robust evidence for improving cadence and stride length.

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

Hold-relax uses an isometric contraction of the limiting muscle (hip extensors) at end range, followed by relaxation, allowing the limb to move further into hip flexion.

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

Progressive reduction of body weight support increases musculoskeletal loading and proprioceptive input, which are critical stimuli for activating spinal locomotor networks and driving neurological recovery.

(NCS) Neurologic Clinical Specialist Practice Test

(NCS) Neurologic Clinical Specialist Practice Test

NCS Intervention Techniques 2