NPTE-PT Therapeutic Modalities Application 5

Question 1

A PT uses biofeedback with surface electromyography (sEMG) for a patient with patellofemoral pain syndrome. The primary therapeutic goal of this application is to:

Accepted Answer

Improve voluntary motor recruitment and muscle re-education of the VMO

Answer

sEMG biofeedback provides real-time visual or auditory feedback to help patients consciously improve VMO activation timing and magnitude.

Question 2

During ultrasound treatment, a patient reports pain under the transducer during stationary application. The MOST likely cause and correct response is:

Accepted Answer

Standing waves causing periosteal damage; move the transducer continuously

Answer

Stationary transducer application creates standing waves that can cause periosteal burns; the transducer must be kept in continuous motion.

Question 3

A PT applies cryotherapy using an ice massage technique to a patient's Achilles tendon. The correct sequence of sensations the patient should experience is:

Accepted Answer

Cold → aching → burning → analgesia

Answer

The CBAN sequence (Cold, Burning, Aching, Numbness/Analgesia) describes the progression of sensory changes during ice massage.

Question 4

A PT is treating a patient with a fresh (48-hour-old) quadriceps contusion. Which physical agent is MOST appropriate at this stage?

Accepted Answer

Cryotherapy with compression

Answer

Cryotherapy with compression is the standard acute-phase treatment to reduce inflammation, hemorrhage, and secondary hypoxic injury.

Question 5

Which parameter determines the depth of penetration for therapeutic ultrasound when selecting between 1 MHz and 3 MHz?

Accepted Answer

Frequency

Answer

Frequency determines depth: 1 MHz penetrates 4–5 cm (deep) while 3 MHz penetrates 1–2 cm (superficial).

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Therapeutic Modalities Application 5