NPTE-PT Gait, Balance, and Orthotics 4

Question 1

A patient with a T6 complete spinal cord injury uses a KAFO with forearm crutches. Which gait pattern is MOST energy-efficient for this patient over short distances?

Accepted Answer

Swing-through gait

Answer

Swing-through gait is the fastest and most energy-efficient pattern for patients with thoracic SCI using bilateral KAFOs and crutches, despite its high-energy demands.

Question 2

Which balance assessment tool specifically examines anticipatory postural adjustments and reactive balance strategies under six sensory conditions?

Accepted Answer

Sensory Organization Test (Computerized Dynamic Posturography)

Answer

The Sensory Organization Test (SOT), part of computerized dynamic posturography, systematically assesses balance under six conditions that isolate and manipulate visual, vestibular, and somatosensory inputs.

Question 3

A patient with a painful right knee uses a cane. On which side should the cane be held and why?

Accepted Answer

Left side to reduce hip abductor demand on the right

Answer

The cane is held on the contralateral (left) side so that it contacts the ground simultaneously with the affected leg, reducing the load through the right knee joint.

Question 4

Which gait deviation is MOST commonly associated with excessive foot pronation in the stance phase?

Accepted Answer

Medial collapse of the knee (dynamic valgus)

Answer

Excessive foot pronation during stance causes internal tibial rotation, which is transmitted proximally, resulting in dynamic knee valgus.

Question 5

A reciprocal gait orthosis (RGO) is MOST appropriate for which patient population?

Accepted Answer

Patients with thoracic-level paraplegia for household ambulation

Answer

The RGO enables reciprocal walking in patients with thoracic paraplegia by linking the hip joints with cables so hip extension on one side drives flexion on the other.

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Gait, Balance, and Orthotics 4