PAS Assessment Techniques & Tools 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which postural deviation is characterized by a forward positioning of the head relative to the cervical spine's ideal alignment?
- Cervical kyphosis
- Forward head posture (Correct answer)
- Cervical lordosis reversal
- Occipital hyperextension
Correct answer: Forward head posture
Forward head posture describes the head translating anteriorly beyond the ideal plumb line position, increasing load on cervical extensors.
Question 2: A PAS practitioner performs a Thomas Test on a client. What does a positive result indicate?
- Weak gluteus medius
- Hip flexor tightness (Correct answer)
- Hamstring shortness
- IT band restriction
Correct answer: Hip flexor tightness
A positive Thomas Test, where the tested leg rises off the table, indicates hip flexor (iliopsoas or rectus femoris) tightness.
Question 3: When using photographic postural analysis software, images should ideally be taken from how many standard views?
- One (frontal only)
- Two (frontal and lateral)
- Three (frontal, lateral, and posterior) (Correct answer)
- Four (frontal, posterior, and both laterals)
Correct answer: Three (frontal, lateral, and posterior)
Standard photographic postural analysis includes anterior, posterior, and lateral views to comprehensively assess all planes of deviation.
Question 4: Scapular winging observed during a push-up is most associated with weakness in which muscle?
- Trapezius
- Rhomboids
- Serratus anterior (Correct answer)
- Pectoralis minor
Correct answer: Serratus anterior
Serratus anterior weakness causes the medial border of the scapula to lift off the thorax, producing visible winging during push-ups.
Question 5: Which assessment tool uses resistance bands or cables to evaluate force-couple relationships around the shoulder?
- Functional Movement Screen
- Handheld dynamometry
- Rotator cuff resistance testing (Correct answer)
- Single-leg balance test
Correct answer: Rotator cuff resistance testing
Rotator cuff resistance testing with cables or bands evaluates the strength balance between internal and external shoulder rotators.
Question 6: A client walks with an exaggerated lateral trunk shift toward the stance leg. This is most likely a compensatory strategy for weakness in which muscle?
- Gluteus maximus
- Gluteus medius (Correct answer)
- Adductor longus
- Tensor fasciae latae
Correct answer: Gluteus medius
Gluteus medius weakness causes a Trendelenburg gait, where the trunk shifts toward the weak side to reduce hip abduction demand.
Question 7: In a postural assessment, pes planus (flat foot) is most commonly associated with which kinetic chain compensation above it?
- Hip external rotation and knee varus
- Knee valgus and hip internal rotation (Correct answer)
- Lumbar extension and hip flexion
- Ankle dorsiflexion and knee hyperextension
Correct answer: Knee valgus and hip internal rotation
Pes planus causes subtalar pronation which drives internal tibial rotation, leading to knee valgus and hip internal rotation up the kinetic chain.
PAS Assessment Techniques & Tools 3
Which postural deviation is characterized by a forward positioning of the head relative to the cervical spine's ideal alignment?