MPT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MPT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which measure is the GOLD STANDARD for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max) in a PT research study? → Maximal graded exercise test with direct gas analysis
2. Which breath sound indicates secretion accumulation in the larger airways? → Coarse crackles (rhonchi)
3. The overload principle in therapeutic exercise states that: → The body adapts only when subjected to a load greater than it is accustomed to
4. The PICO framework used in evidence-based practice stands for: → Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome
5. Scissor gait, characterized by the legs crossing the midline during swing, is most commonly associated with: → Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy
6. Which of the following is NOT a required element to prove malpractice (negligence) against a PT? → The PT's intent to cause harm
7. A vaulting gait deviation (rising on the toes of the sound limb during prosthetic swing) is caused by: → Prosthesis being too long
8. The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) is used to assess: → Gross motor maturation from birth to independent walking
9. Incentive spirometry is primarily used post-operatively to prevent: → Atelectasis and pneumonia
10. The Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound (SMART) goal framework is used in PT to: → Create clear, trackable functional goals with the patient and care team
11. What is the purpose of the Spurling test in cervical spine assessment? → Reproduce cervical radiculopathy symptoms
12. Which outcome measure is MOST appropriate to assess balance confidence in community-dwelling older adults? → Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC)
13. The muscle responsible for scapular upward rotation during arm elevation above 90 degrees is: → Serratus anterior and lower trapezius force couple
14. In patellar tendinopathy rehabilitation, heavy slow resistance (HSR) training is preferred because: → It stimulates tendon collagen synthesis without exceeding compressive load tolerance
15. The single-leg squat test (repetitions to fatigue at 60 degrees of knee flexion) is used to assess which quality in patients with patellofemoral pain? → Quadriceps endurance and neuromuscular control
16. Which proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique involves alternating isotonic contractions of agonist and antagonist muscles? → Rhythmic stabilization
17. According to the Cyriax model of orthopedic assessment, a capsular pattern of the hip joint presents as: → Greatest limitation in hip internal rotation, followed by abduction, then flexion
18. Core stabilization exercises should progress from: → Static stability in neutral spine to dynamic functional movements under load
19. Under Medicare Part B, physical therapy services are covered only when they are: → Medically necessary, skilled, and provided or supervised by a licensed PT
20. What is the Thomas test used to assess? → Hip flexor tightness (iliopsoas/rectus femoris)
21. The SAID principle (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands) means that rehabilitation exercises should: → Match the specific demands of the patient's functional or sport goals
22. Eccentric strengthening is particularly effective for treating tendinopathy because it: → Promotes collagen remodeling and tendon structural adaptation
23. The straight leg raise (SLR) test becomes positive (radicular symptoms reproduced) at 30-70 degrees of hip flexion. This finding most specifically indicates: → L4-S1 nerve root tension or compression
24. Which color of wound tissue indicates healthy granulation tissue and suggests the wound is progressing toward healing? → Red (granulation)
25. Exertional compartment syndrome is best confirmed by: → Intra-compartmental pressure measurement during and after exercise
26. Constraint therapy in children with hemiplegic CP has demonstrated improvements in: → Unilateral upper extremity function and motor learning
27. Concussion management in the US follows return-to-play protocols that require: → Symptom-free at rest before gradual stepwise return to sport
28. Other names for the problem-oriented medical record (POMR) include: → SOAP system
29. A therapist performs a special test and gets a sensitivity of 0.90 and specificity of 0.50. Which interpretation is CORRECT? → The test is good at ruling out disease
30. A PT is documenting under the SOAP format. Where should the patient's self-reported pain level and functional goals be recorded? → Subjective