PRC Neuromuscular Integration & Movement Patterns 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In PRI, the Zone of Apposition (ZOA) is defined as the area of the diaphragm that:
- Contracts concentrically during forced exhalation
- Lies in apposition to the inner aspect of the lower rib cage (Correct answer)
- Attaches directly to the lumbar vertebrae only
- Functions independently of intra-abdominal pressure
Correct answer: Lies in apposition to the inner aspect of the lower rib cage
The ZOA refers to the portion of the diaphragm that is in direct apposition (contact) with the inner lower rib cage, which is critical for optimal pressure generation and trunk stability.
Question 2: Which movement pattern is most associated with a patient who presents with a right dominant Left AIC (Anterior Interior Chain) pattern?
- Left hip internal rotation with right thoracic rotation
- Right hip anterior tilt with left thoracic side-bending (Correct answer)
- Bilateral hip external rotation with lumbar flexion
- Right hip posterior tilt with left pelvic drop
Correct answer: Right hip anterior tilt with left thoracic side-bending
The right dominant Left AIC pattern typically presents with a right hip anterior tilt and left thoracic side-bending as compensatory adaptations.
Question 3: During normal gait, the right hemidiaphragm descends during which phase as the right foot contacts the ground?
- Loading response (Correct answer)
- Terminal swing
- Pre-swing
- Mid-stance
Correct answer: Loading response
During loading response (initial contact of the right foot), the right hemidiaphragm descends to contribute to trunk stabilization and load transfer through the thorax.
Question 4: The posterior mediastinum's role in PRI neuromuscular patterning is primarily related to:
- Generating left thoracic rotation to counterbalance right dominance (Correct answer)
- Providing attachment for the right AIC muscle chain
- Limiting cervical extension range of motion
- Resisting diaphragmatic descent on both sides equally
Correct answer: Generating left thoracic rotation to counterbalance right dominance
The posterior mediastinum acts as a left thoracic rotator, helping to counterbalance the natural right-sided dominance seen in typical postural patterns.
Question 5: A patient cannot maintain a neutral pelvis during a supine 90-90 hip lift test. This most likely indicates inadequate activation of which muscle?
- Right iliopsoas
- Left hamstring
- Left internal oblique (Correct answer)
- Right quadratus lumborum
Correct answer: Left internal oblique
The left internal oblique is critical for maintaining a neutral left pelvis during the 90-90 hip lift; failure to activate it allows the pelvis to rotate right into a Left AIC pattern.
Question 6: In PRI, the Right BC (Brachial Chain) pattern contributes to which characteristic cervical-thoracic posture?
- Left cervical side-bending with right thoracic rotation (Correct answer)
- Right cervical side-bending with left thoracic rotation
- Bilateral cervical flexion with thoracic kyphosis
- Right cervical extension with left lateral trunk shift
Correct answer: Left cervical side-bending with right thoracic rotation
The Right BC pattern is characterized by left cervical side-bending paired with right thoracic rotation, reflecting the influence of right-sided brachial chain dominance.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes reciprocal inhibition as it pertains to PRI postural patterns?
- Co-contraction of agonist and antagonist to stabilize a joint
- Neural inhibition of an antagonist when the agonist contracts, reinforcing patterned asymmetry (Correct answer)
- Simultaneous activation of bilateral muscle groups during gait
- Reflex relaxation of a muscle following a quick stretch stimulus
Correct answer: Neural inhibition of an antagonist when the agonist contracts, reinforcing patterned asymmetry
In PRI, reciprocal inhibition means that chronically overactive muscles neurally suppress their antagonists, perpetuating patterned asymmetry and limiting corrective movement.
PRC Neuromuscular Integration & Movement Patterns 2
In PRI, the Zone of Apposition (ZOA) is defined as the area of the diaphragm that: