NPTE-PT Gait, Balance, and Orthotics 5

Question 1

A patient with spastic hemiplegia walks with the knee in hyperextension throughout stance. This MOST likely results from:

Accepted Answer

Spastic plantarflexors causing a rigid forefoot rocker

Answer

Spastic plantarflexors create a rigid equinus foot that acts as a lever, pushing the tibia posteriorly and forcing the knee into hyperextension during stance.

Question 2

A scoliosis patient with a 25-degree Cobb angle is prescribed a TLSO. The PRIMARY goal of this orthosis is to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent curve progression during skeletal growth

Answer

TLSOs for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are prescribed primarily to prevent curve progression during the growth period, not to fully correct the existing deformity.

Question 3

Which single-leg stance test finding is considered abnormal in an adult under age 60?

Accepted Answer

Unable to maintain for 30 seconds with eyes open

Answer

Adults under 60 should be able to maintain single-leg stance with eyes open for at least 30 seconds; failure indicates balance impairment.

Question 4

During the Sensory Organization Test, Condition 6 (sway-referenced surface, sway-referenced vision) primarily tests which sensory system?

Accepted Answer

Vestibular system

Answer

In SOT Condition 6, both the surface and visual field move with the patient, eliminating proprioceptive and visual inputs, leaving only vestibular information available for balance control.

Question 5

A patient with L5 nerve root compromise will MOST likely demonstrate which gait deviation?

Accepted Answer

Trendelenburg gait due to weak hip abductors

Answer

L5 innervates the gluteus medius (hip abductor); weakness causes a Trendelenburg gait with contralateral pelvic drop during ipsilateral stance.

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NPTE-PT Gait, Balance, and Orthotics 5