Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Interventions Flashcards

Which criterion is used to determine safe return to sport after ACL reconstruction using the limb symmetry index (LSI)?

Answer: ≥90% LSI on hop tests and strength testing

A limb symmetry index of ≥90% on functional hop tests and isokinetic strength testing is the established criterion for safe return to sport after ACL reconstruction.

A patient presents with carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed by EMG. Which conservative intervention has the strongest evidence for symptom reduction?

Answer: Wrist splinting in neutral position at night

Neutral wrist splinting, especially worn at night, is well-supported by evidence to reduce median nerve compression and alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.

Which muscle action characterizes an open kinetic chain exercise?

Answer: The distal segment moves freely against resistance

In open kinetic chain exercises the distal segment (e.g., foot or hand) moves freely, such as seated knee extension, allowing isolated single-joint loading.

A therapist performs soft tissue mobilization to the iliotibial band to treat lateral knee pain. Which physiological mechanism primarily explains the immediate pain relief observed?

Answer: Gate control theory via stimulation of large-diameter mechanoreceptors

Soft tissue mobilization provides immediate analgesia primarily through gate control, where mechanoreceptor afferent input inhibits nociceptive transmission at the spinal cord level.

Which parameter distinguishes a Mulligan mobilization with movement (MWM) from a standard Maitland mobilization?

Answer: The patient performs active movement while the therapist applies a sustained accessory glide

In Mulligan MWM the clinician applies a painless, sustained accessory joint glide while the patient simultaneously performs the previously painful active movement.

A patient recovering from a total hip arthroplasty via a posterior approach should avoid which combination of movements to prevent dislocation?

Answer: Hip flexion >90°, adduction, and internal rotation

The classic posterior dislocation precautions for a posterior approach THA are to avoid combined hip flexion beyond 90°, adduction past midline, and internal rotation.

Which instrument is used to quantify the deep cervical flexor endurance impairment common in patients with cervicogenic headache?

Answer: Pressure biofeedback unit (stabilizer)

The pressure biofeedback unit measures the ability to perform craniocervical flexion at progressively higher pressure levels, quantifying deep cervical flexor activation and endurance.