NPTE-PT NPTE-PT Test Gait, Balance, and Orthotics Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

During the swing phase of gait, which muscle group is primarily responsible for dorsiflexion to ensure foot clearance?

Accepted Answer

Tibialis anterior

Answer

The tibialis anterior contracts concentrically during swing phase to dorsiflex the ankle and prevent foot drop.

Question 2

A patient demonstrates a positive Trendelenburg sign on the right side during single-limb stance. Which muscle is most likely weak?

Accepted Answer

Right gluteus medius

Answer

A positive Trendelenburg sign indicates weakness of the gluteus medius on the stance limb side, causing the pelvis to drop on the swing side.

Question 3

Which orthotic device is most appropriate for a patient with a flaccid dorsiflexor paralysis and intact plantarflexors?

Accepted Answer

Posterior leaf spring AFO

Answer

A posterior leaf spring AFO provides dorsiflexion assist during swing while allowing plantarflexion flexibility at push-off.

Question 4

In normal gait, at what percentage of the gait cycle does the opposite foot make initial contact (double support ends)?

Accepted Answer

10%

Answer

Initial double support occurs during approximately the first 10% of the gait cycle, ending when the opposite foot lifts off.

Question 5

A patient with a transtibial amputation exhibits excessive knee flexion during midstance on the prosthetic side. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Socket is aligned too far anterior

Answer

An anteriorly aligned socket shifts the ground reaction force posterior to the knee, creating a flexion moment during midstance.

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