NPTE-PTA Functional Training and Gait 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the normal cadence for adult ambulation?
- 50–70 steps/minute
- 80–120 steps/minute (Correct answer)
- 130–150 steps/minute
- 160–180 steps/minute
Correct answer: 80–120 steps/minute
Normal adult cadence is approximately 100–120 steps per minute, equating to 50–60 complete gait cycles (stride cycles) per minute.
Question 2: A patient demonstrates 'vaulting' during gait. Which compensatory strategy does this describe?
- Leaning the trunk toward the weak side
- Rising on the toes of the stance limb to clear the contralateral swinging limb (Correct answer)
- Circumducting the swinging limb in a semicircle
- Hiking the pelvis to shorten the functional length of the swing limb
Correct answer: Rising on the toes of the stance limb to clear the contralateral swinging limb
Vaulting involves exaggerated plantarflexion (rising on tiptoe) of the stance limb to elevate the pelvis and allow a prosthetic or long limb to clear the ground during swing.
Question 3: What transfer technique is safest for a dependent patient moving from bed to wheelchair?
- Pivot transfer without a gait belt
- Two-person lift transfer
- Mechanical (hoyer) lift transfer (Correct answer)
- Stand-pivot with a gait belt, one-person assist
Correct answer: Mechanical (hoyer) lift transfer
A mechanical (Hoyer) lift is the safest technique for dependent patients who cannot assist in transfers, protecting both the patient and the clinician from injury.
Question 4: During functional task training, which activity is the most appropriate initial task for a patient beginning sit-to-stand practice?
- Standing from a low chair with no armrests
- Standing from a standard-height chair using armrests (Correct answer)
- Standing from the floor
- Standing from a bed at a 30° incline
Correct answer: Standing from a standard-height chair using armrests
Starting from a standard-height chair with armrests reduces the demand on hip and knee extensors, making sit-to-stand more achievable early in rehabilitation.
Question 5: A patient has been prescribed forearm crutches. At what height should the forearm cuff be positioned?
- At the level of the wrist
- 1–1.5 inches below the elbow (Correct answer)
- At mid-forearm
- 2–3 inches above the elbow
Correct answer: 1–1.5 inches below the elbow
The forearm cuff of a Lofstrand crutch should be positioned approximately 1–1.5 inches below the elbow to allow free elbow movement while providing secure support.
Question 6: Which gait deviation is most commonly caused by weak ankle dorsiflexors (drop foot)?
- Trendelenburg gait
- Steppage gait (Correct answer)
- Antalgic gait
- Scissor gait
Correct answer: Steppage gait
Steppage gait is characterized by exaggerated hip and knee flexion during swing to lift the foot and clear the toes when dorsiflexors are weak or paralyzed.
NPTE-PTA Functional Training and Gait 2
What is the normal cadence for adult ambulation?