PAM Mechanical Modalities & Traction Therapy 3

Question 1

The typical starting force for lumbar mechanical traction is:

Accepted Answer

25–30% of body weight

Answer

5–10% of body weight

Answer

50–60% of body weight

Answer

70–75% of body weight

Question 2

What is the effect of spinal traction on intradiscal pressure?

Accepted Answer

Decreases intradiscal pressure

Answer

Increases intradiscal pressure

Answer

Has no measurable effect on intradiscal pressure

Answer

Rapidly increases then decreases intradiscal pressure

Question 3

Mechanical traction is MOST appropriately indicated for which diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Cervical radiculopathy from disc herniation

Answer

Grade III lumbar spondylolisthesis

Answer

Acute vertebral compression fracture

Answer

Severe osteoporosis with vertebral fragility

Question 4

The primary physiological benefit of aquatic (pool) traction compared to land-based traction is:

Accepted Answer

Buoyancy reduces gravitational compressive load on the spine

Answer

Hydrostatic pressure provides added spinal compression

Answer

Warm water increases disc flexibility allowing greater separation

Answer

Water viscosity enhances the magnitude of traction force

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a physiological effect of spinal traction?

Accepted Answer

Increased intradiscal pressure

Answer

Distraction of apophyseal (facet) joints

Answer

Stretching of paraspinal soft tissues

Answer

Reduction of nerve root compression

Question 6

Before initiating cervical traction, the clinician must FIRST screen for:

Accepted Answer

Signs and symptoms of vertebral artery insufficiency

Answer

Patient preference regarding traction force level

Answer

Presence of cervical degenerative disc changes on imaging

Answer

Availability of the mechanical traction unit

Question 7

A patient receiving lumbar traction reports a sudden increase in radiating leg pain during the session. The MOST appropriate response is to:

Accepted Answer

Immediately discontinue traction and reassess the patient

Answer

Increase traction force to achieve better disc reduction

Answer

Continue treatment as some peripheralization is expected

Answer

Reduce treatment time but maintain the current force level