NPTE-PT Neuromuscular System Interventions 3

Question 1

A patient with unilateral vestibular hypofunction is prescribed gaze stabilization exercises. What is the PRIMARY mechanism of these exercises?

Accepted Answer

Promoting adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR)

Answer

Strengthening the extra-ocular muscles for better tracking

Answer

Habituating the patient to motion-induced nausea

Answer

Improving central visual acuity

Question 2

The Epley canalith repositioning maneuver is the first-line treatment for which condition?

Accepted Answer

Posterior canal BPPV causing brief positional vertigo

Answer

Vestibular neuritis causing continuous vertigo

Answer

Meniere's disease with endolymphatic hydrops

Answer

Central vertigo from cerebellar stroke

Question 3

During treadmill training with body weight support (BWS) for a patient with incomplete SCI, which variable should be PROGRESSIVELY reduced as the patient improves?

Accepted Answer

Percentage of body weight supported

Answer

Treadmill belt speed

Answer

Duration of each treadmill session

Answer

Therapist verbal cueing frequency

Question 4

A patient with Parkinson's disease benefits from rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) during gait training. What is the PRIMARY mechanism?

Accepted Answer

External auditory rhythm substitutes for impaired internal timing from basal ganglia dysfunction

Answer

RAS increases dopamine synthesis in the substantia nigra

Answer

RAS activates the cerebellum to compensate for tremor

Answer

Auditory input reduces rigidity through reciprocal inhibition

Question 5

Which intervention has the STRONGEST evidence for producing long-term functional improvement in patients with upper motor neuron spasticity?

Accepted Answer

Task-specific training emphasizing active movement

Answer

Prolonged low-load passive stretch

Answer

Cryotherapy applied to spastic muscles before exercise

Answer

Electrical stimulation to antagonist muscles in isolation

Question 6

What is the OPTIMAL period to initiate neuromuscular re-education following peripheral nerve repair surgery?

Accepted Answer

When early clinical or EMG signs of reinnervation appear, typically 3 or more months post-repair

Answer

Immediately post-operatively with maximal resistance exercise

Answer

Only after full motor strength is documented at the target muscle

Answer

Exclusively as prehabilitation before surgery

Question 7

When positioning a patient with SCI who has lower extremity flexor spasticity at night, which position BEST counteracts the spastic pattern?

Accepted Answer

Hip extension, knee extension, and ankle in neutral with a splint

Answer

Hip and knee flexion with ankle plantar flexion

Answer

Side-lying with hips and knees flexed to 90°

Answer

Supine with pillows placed under the knees