NPTE-PT Neuromuscular System Interventions 5

Question 1

When applying the PNF technique of approximation at the shoulder, what is the PRIMARY physiological mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Joint compression stimulating mechanoreceptors to facilitate co-contraction and postural stability

Answer

Golgi tendon organ inhibition to allow greater ROM

Answer

Muscle spindle stretch reflex activation through quick lengthening

Answer

Joint distraction to reduce pain and allow relaxation

Question 2

A patient recovering from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is in the recovery phase. Which exercise parameter is MOST critical to monitor?

Accepted Answer

Signs of overwork weakness including increased fatigue and declining function

Answer

Heart rate variability during aerobic exercise

Answer

Blood pressure response to positional changes

Answer

Passive muscle flexibility and neural tension

Question 3

Task-oriented gait training for stroke survivors should PRIMARILY emphasize which characteristic to maximize neuroplastic benefit?

Accepted Answer

High repetitions of the complete walking task practiced in variable real-world contexts

Answer

Isolated strengthening of individual lower extremity muscle groups before walking

Answer

Passive ambulation with maximal body weight support throughout recovery

Answer

Stretching spastic muscles for 30 minutes before each gait session

Question 4

Which intervention is CONTRAINDICATED for a patient in the acute inflammatory phase of polymyositis?

Accepted Answer

High-intensity progressive resistive exercise

Answer

Gentle passive and active-assistive range of motion

Answer

Aquatic therapy at thermoneutral water temperature

Answer

Diaphragmatic breathing and trunk mobility exercises

Question 5

When using aquatic therapy for neuromuscular re-education, which property of water is MOST therapeutically beneficial for enabling movement practice that is not possible on land?

Accepted Answer

Buoyancy reducing effective body weight to allow movement with weak muscles

Answer

Hydrostatic pressure reducing peripheral edema

Answer

Turbulence providing variable proprioceptive challenges to balance

Answer

Water viscosity providing resistance to strengthen muscles

Question 6

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) for foot drop post-stroke should be timed to deliver stimulation during which phase of the gait cycle?

Accepted Answer

Swing phase, to facilitate ankle dorsiflexion and toe clearance

Answer

Midstance, to stabilize the ankle during weight-bearing

Answer

Terminal stance, to assist with push-off force generation

Answer

Continuously throughout the entire gait cycle for maximum effect

Question 7

Which principle of neuroplasticity MOST directly supports the use of high-repetition, task-specific training in neurorehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Use-dependent plasticity — repeated activation of neural circuits strengthens synaptic connections through LTP

Answer

Synaptic pruning eliminates underused circuits and requires passive stimulation to counteract

Answer

Neuroplasticity is limited to the first 6 months post-injury and cannot be driven later

Answer

Compensatory strategies using the intact hemisphere prevent ipsilateral plasticity