NPTE-PT Test Gait, Balance, and Orthotics Questions and Answers

Question 1

A physical therapist is evaluating a 76-year-old community-dwelling female with a history of two falls in the past year.
The therapist wishes to quickly assess the patient's basic functional mobility and fall risk.
The patient completes the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in 15 seconds.
Which of the following is the MOST accurate interpretation of this result?

Accepted Answer

The patient's score indicates an increased risk for falls and warrants further balance assessment.

Answer

The patient's score is within the normal range for her age and indicates a low risk of falls.

Answer

The patient requires a wheeled walker for all mobility to ensure safety.

Answer

The patient's performance was too slow to be a valid measure of fall risk.

Question 2

A patient recovering from a stroke presents with right-sided weakness. The examination reveals 2/5 strength in the ankle dorsiflexors and significant mediolateral instability at the ankle during weight-bearing. Which of the following ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) is the MOST appropriate prescription for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Solid ankle AFO

Answer

Posterior leaf spring AFO

Answer

Articulating AFO with a plantar flexion stop

Answer

Ground reaction AFO

Question 3

A physical therapist aims to specifically assess the contribution of the vestibular system to a patient's balance. According to the principles of the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB), which condition would MOST effectively isolate and challenge this system?

Accepted Answer

Standing on a foam surface with eyes closed

Answer

Standing on a firm surface with eyes open

Answer

Standing on a firm surface with eyes closed

Answer

Standing on a foam surface with eyes open

Question 4

During a gait analysis, a physical therapist observes a patient with painful right hip osteoarthritis. The therapist notes that the step length of the left leg is significantly shorter than the step length of the right leg. What is the MOST likely reason for this gait deviation?

Accepted Answer

A desire to decrease stance time on the painful right leg

Answer

Weakness of the left hip flexors

Answer

Weakness of the right gluteus medius

Answer

Limited extension of the left hip

Question 5

A 55-year-old male presents with a chief complaint of sharp, stabbing pain at the medial aspect of his heel, which is most intense with his first steps in the morning. The physical therapist's examination reveals pes planus and excessive subtalar joint pronation during gait. Which of the following orthotic interventions would be MOST beneficial?

Accepted Answer

A full-length insert with medial longitudinal arch support and a medial heel post

Answer

A lateral forefoot post to encourage supination

Answer

A cushioned heel lift to offload the Achilles tendon

Answer

A metatarsal pad placed just proximal to the metatarsal heads

Question 6

A patient with Parkinson's disease is being treated for gait deficits. The physical therapist observes short, shuffling steps and an involuntary acceleration of gait speed (festination). Which of the following verbal cues would be MOST effective to immediately improve gait safety and pattern?

Accepted Answer

"Think about taking big steps."

Answer

"Try to walk as fast as you can."

Answer

"Look down at your feet while you walk."

Answer

"Keep your arms straight at your sides."