NPTE-PTA Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ligament is tested by the valgus stress test of the knee?
- Anterior cruciate ligament
- Posterior cruciate ligament
- Medial collateral ligament (Correct answer)
- Lateral collateral ligament
Correct answer: Medial collateral ligament
The valgus stress test applies a medially directed force to the knee, stressing the medial collateral ligament (MCL).
Question 2: Which plane of motion is used when performing hip abduction exercises?
- Sagittal plane
- Frontal (coronal) plane (Correct answer)
- Transverse plane
- Oblique plane
Correct answer: Frontal (coronal) plane
Hip abduction occurs in the frontal (coronal) plane, moving the limb laterally away from the midline.
Question 3: A patient has weakness of the peroneals (fibularis muscles). Which motion will be most impaired?
- Plantarflexion
- Dorsiflexion
- Inversion
- Eversion (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Eversion
The peroneus longus and brevis are the primary evertors of the foot and ankle.
Question 4: What is the recommended position for performing low back mobilization to target the L4–L5 segment?
- Prone with lumbar extension
- Side-lying with trunk rotation (Correct answer)
- Supine with knees to chest
- Seated with forward flexion
Correct answer: Side-lying with trunk rotation
Side-lying positioning with controlled trunk rotation allows the PTA to target the L4–L5 facet joints effectively with rotational mobilization.
Question 5: Which rotator cuff muscle is responsible for internal rotation of the shoulder?
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Teres minor
- Subscapularis (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Subscapularis
The subscapularis is the only rotator cuff muscle that internally rotates the glenohumeral joint.
Question 6: A patient demonstrates a Trendelenburg sign during gait. Which muscle is most likely weak?
- Gluteus maximus
- Gluteus medius (Correct answer)
- Iliotibial band
- Tensor fasciae latae
Correct answer: Gluteus medius
A positive Trendelenburg sign (contralateral pelvic drop during single-leg stance) indicates weakness of the hip abductors, primarily the gluteus medius.
NPTE-PTA Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy 3
Which ligament is tested by the valgus stress test of the knee?