OCS Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Interventions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient with a rotator cuff repair is 6 weeks post-op. Which exercise is most appropriate to initiate at this stage?
- Active-assisted range of motion in the scapular plane (Correct answer)
- Full resisted shoulder abduction with theraband
- Overhead pressing with body weight
- Plyometric ball toss against a wall
Correct answer: Active-assisted range of motion in the scapular plane
At 6 weeks post rotator cuff repair, active-assisted ROM in the scapular plane (scaption) is appropriate as it minimizes rotator cuff tensile load while promoting motion.
Question 2: Which neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) parameter is most critical for achieving a functional muscle contraction in rehabilitation?
- Pulse duration of 200–400 microseconds (Correct answer)
- Frequency of 1–5 Hz
- Intensity below sensory threshold
- Continuous mode with no rest periods
Correct answer: Pulse duration of 200–400 microseconds
A pulse duration of 200–400 microseconds is optimal for recruiting larger motor nerve fibers and producing a functional muscle contraction with NMES.
Question 3: A therapist is treating a patient with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Which taping technique is most supported for short-term pain reduction?
- McConnell taping to medially glide the patella (Correct answer)
- Lateral patellar taping to increase lateral tracking
- Kinesio taping over the IT band only
- Circumferential taping of the entire knee
Correct answer: McConnell taping to medially glide the patella
McConnell taping applies a medial glide to the patella, reducing lateral stress on the patellofemoral joint and providing short-term pain relief.
Question 4: Which aquatic therapy property most benefits a patient with severe lower extremity weight-bearing precautions?
- Buoyancy reducing effective body weight (Correct answer)
- Hydrostatic pressure improving venous return
- Viscosity providing resistance to movement
- Turbulence challenging balance reactions
Correct answer: Buoyancy reducing effective body weight
Buoyancy reduces effective body weight (up to 90% at neck depth), allowing earlier ambulation training in patients with weight-bearing restrictions.
Question 5: During cervical stabilization exercises, which muscle is the primary target for deep cervical flexor training?
- Longus colli and longus capitis (Correct answer)
- Sternocleidomastoid
- Anterior scalene
- Platysma
Correct answer: Longus colli and longus capitis
The longus colli and longus capitis are the deep cervical flexors targeted in craniocervical flexion exercises to improve cervical segmental stability.
Question 6: A patient with chronic Achilles tendinopathy is beginning rehabilitation. Which loading protocol has the strongest evidence base?
- Eccentric heel drops on a decline board (Correct answer)
- Passive stretching of the gastrocnemius-soleus
- Ice massage followed by passive ROM
- Ultrasound to the tendon insertion
Correct answer: Eccentric heel drops on a decline board
Eccentric loading via decline heel drops (Alfredson protocol) has the most robust evidence for reducing pain and improving function in mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.
Question 7: Which manual therapy technique involves a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust aimed at restoring joint mobility?
- Spinal manipulation (Correct answer)
- Grade III joint mobilization
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Neural mobilization
Correct answer: Spinal manipulation
Spinal manipulation (thrust technique) uses a high-velocity, low-amplitude force at the end range of joint motion to restore mobility and reduce pain.
OCS Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Interventions 2
A patient with a rotator cuff repair is 6 weeks post-op.
Which exercise is most appropriate to initiate at this stage?