PAS Assessment Techniques & Tools 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a static postural assessment, a client presents with one shoulder visibly higher than the other. Which term best describes this finding?
- Lordosis
- Lateral pelvic tilt
- Shoulder elevation asymmetry (Correct answer)
- Thoracic kyphosis
Correct answer: Shoulder elevation asymmetry
Shoulder elevation asymmetry describes an observable height difference between the two shoulders during static posture assessment.
Question 2: Which tool is most appropriate for quantifying the degree of spinal curvature during a postural assessment?
- Tape measure
- Inclinometer (Correct answer)
- Goniometer
- Plumb line
Correct answer: Inclinometer
An inclinometer measures angular displacement and is commonly used to quantify spinal curvature angles such as lumbar lordosis or thoracic kyphosis.
Question 3: A PAS practitioner uses a plumb line during assessment. Where should the line ideally bisect the body when viewed from the lateral side?
- Anterior to the ankle, through the knee and behind the hip
- Through the ear, shoulder, greater trochanter, lateral knee, and lateral malleolus (Correct answer)
- Through the navel, sternum, and bridge of the nose
- Posterior to the spine from occiput to sacrum
Correct answer: Through the ear, shoulder, greater trochanter, lateral knee, and lateral malleolus
From the lateral view, ideal plumb line alignment passes through the ear, shoulder (acromion), greater trochanter, slightly anterior to the knee, and lateral malleolus.
Question 4: When assessing the overhead squat from the anterior view, what postural deviation is indicated by the knees caving inward during the descent?
- Knee valgus (Correct answer)
- Knee varus
- Tibial torsion
- Supination distortion pattern
Correct answer: Knee valgus
Knees caving inward during an overhead squat is called knee valgus and often indicates hip abductor or external rotator weakness.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a dynamic movement assessment compared to a static postural assessment?
- It identifies resting muscle length imbalances only
- It reveals how the body compensates under movement demands (Correct answer)
- It measures joint range of motion precisely with instruments
- It tests cardiovascular fitness alongside posture
Correct answer: It reveals how the body compensates under movement demands
Dynamic movement assessments expose compensation patterns and muscle coordination deficits that may not appear in a static standing posture.
Question 6: A client shows anterior pelvic tilt at rest. Which muscle group is most likely overactive based on this finding?
- Gluteus maximus
- Hip flexors (Correct answer)
- Hamstrings
- Tibialis anterior
Correct answer: Hip flexors
Overactive hip flexors pull the anterior pelvis downward, creating anterior pelvic tilt by increasing lumbar lordosis.
Question 7: During gait assessment, a PAS specialist observes excessive forward trunk lean. Which muscle group is most likely underactive?
- Hip flexors
- Gastrocnemius
- Gluteus maximus (Correct answer)
- Thoracic extensors
Correct answer: Gluteus maximus
Underactive gluteus maximus reduces hip extension force, causing the trunk to compensate by leaning forward during gait.
PAS Assessment Techniques & Tools 2
During a static postural assessment, a client presents with one shoulder visibly higher than the other.
Which term best describes this finding?