NPTE-PTA Musculoskeletal System 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which muscle is the primary hip flexor tested during the NPTE-PTA examination?
- Iliacus
- Iliopsoas (Correct answer)
- Rectus femoris
- Sartorius
Correct answer: Iliopsoas
The iliopsoas (iliacus + psoas major) is the primary hip flexor and is commonly tested on the NPTE-PTA.
Question 2: A PTA is assessing a patient with a grade 3 muscle strength. What does this indicate?
- No contraction
- Trace contraction only
- Full ROM against gravity, no resistance (Correct answer)
- Full ROM against moderate resistance
Correct answer: Full ROM against gravity, no resistance
Grade 3 on the manual muscle testing scale means the patient can complete full ROM against gravity but cannot tolerate added resistance.
Question 3: Which joint mobilization technique is used to improve flexion at the glenohumeral joint?
- Anterior glide
- Inferior glide (Correct answer)
- Superior glide
- Posterior glide
Correct answer: Inferior glide
An inferior glide of the humeral head is used to increase glenohumeral flexion and abduction.
Question 4: The Ober test is used to assess tightness of which structure?
- Hamstring
- Iliotibial band (Correct answer)
- Hip flexor
- Piriformis
Correct answer: Iliotibial band
The Ober test assesses tightness of the iliotibial (IT) band and tensor fasciae latae.
Question 5: A patient presents with lateral epicondylalgia. Which motion will most likely reproduce pain?
- Wrist flexion with elbow extended
- Wrist extension with elbow extended (Correct answer)
- Shoulder internal rotation
- Elbow flexion against resistance
Correct answer: Wrist extension with elbow extended
Resisted wrist extension with the elbow extended stresses the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon, reproducing lateral epicondyle pain.
Question 6: Which anatomical structure is most commonly involved in a rotator cuff tear?
- Subscapularis
- Infraspinatus
- Supraspinatus (Correct answer)
- Teres minor
Correct answer: Supraspinatus
The supraspinatus tendon is the most frequently torn component of the rotator cuff due to its position under the coracoacromial arch.
NPTE-PTA Musculoskeletal System 1
Which muscle is the primary hip flexor tested during the NPTE-PTA examination?