NPTE-PT NPTE-PT Test Gait, Balance, and Orthotics Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During the swing phase of gait, which muscle group is primarily responsible for dorsiflexion to ensure foot clearance?
- Tibialis anterior (Correct answer)
- Gastrocnemius
- Soleus
- Peroneus longus
Correct answer: Tibialis anterior
The tibialis anterior contracts concentrically during swing phase to dorsiflex the ankle and prevent foot drop.
Question 2: A patient demonstrates a positive Trendelenburg sign on the right side during single-limb stance. Which muscle is most likely weak?
- Right gluteus medius (Correct answer)
- Left gluteus medius
- Right quadratus lumborum
- Left iliopsoas
Correct answer: Right gluteus medius
A positive Trendelenburg sign indicates weakness of the gluteus medius on the stance limb side, causing the pelvis to drop on the swing side.
Question 3: Which orthotic device is most appropriate for a patient with a flaccid dorsiflexor paralysis and intact plantarflexors?
- Posterior leaf spring AFO (Correct answer)
- Solid ankle AFO
- Floor reaction AFO
- KAFO with drop lock
Correct answer: Posterior leaf spring AFO
A posterior leaf spring AFO provides dorsiflexion assist during swing while allowing plantarflexion flexibility at push-off.
Question 4: In normal gait, at what percentage of the gait cycle does the opposite foot make initial contact (double support ends)?
- 10% (Correct answer)
- 25%
- 40%
- 50%
Correct answer: 10%
Initial double support occurs during approximately the first 10% of the gait cycle, ending when the opposite foot lifts off.
Question 5: A patient with a transtibial amputation exhibits excessive knee flexion during midstance on the prosthetic side. What is the most likely cause?
- Socket is aligned too far anterior (Correct answer)
- Socket is aligned too far posterior
- Prosthetic foot is too stiff
- Heel cushion is too firm
Correct answer: Socket is aligned too far anterior
An anteriorly aligned socket shifts the ground reaction force posterior to the knee, creating a flexion moment during midstance.
Question 6: Which balance assessment tool specifically measures anticipatory postural control during self-initiated perturbations?
- Functional Reach Test (Correct answer)
- Romberg Test
- Sensory Organization Test
- Timed Up and Go
Correct answer: Functional Reach Test
The Functional Reach Test measures the maximal distance a person can reach forward beyond arm's length while maintaining a fixed base of support, assessing anticipatory postural adjustments.
NPTE-PT NPTE-PT Test Gait, Balance, and Orthotics Questions and Answers 2
During the swing phase of gait, which muscle group is primarily responsible for dorsiflexion to ensure foot clearance?