NPTE-PTA Therapeutic Exercise 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Plyometric training is primarily designed to improve:
- Flexibility
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Power and stretch-shortening cycle efficiency (Correct answer)
- Muscle hypertrophy
Correct answer: Power and stretch-shortening cycle efficiency
Plyometrics utilize the stretch-shortening cycle to improve power output and neuromuscular efficiency.
Question 2: Aquatic therapy reduces joint compressive forces because:
- Water increases muscle temperature
- Buoyancy reduces effective body weight (Correct answer)
- Hydrostatic pressure increases blood flow
- Water resistance strengthens muscles
Correct answer: Buoyancy reduces effective body weight
Archimedes' principle: buoyancy provides an upward force that reduces the effective weight of the body, decreasing joint loading.
Question 3: The recommended progression of resistance training for a deconditioned patient follows:
- High weight, low repetitions first
- Muscular endurance → hypertrophy → strength → power (Correct answer)
- Power training first to establish baseline
- Isometric → isotonic → isokinetic in any order
Correct answer: Muscular endurance → hypertrophy → strength → power
Progressive resistance training typically progresses from endurance (high reps, low load) to hypertrophy to strength to power.
Question 4: During isokinetic exercise, which variable is held constant?
- Resistance force
- Joint angle
- Velocity of movement (Correct answer)
- Muscle length
Correct answer: Velocity of movement
Isokinetic exercise maintains a constant angular velocity regardless of applied force, with resistance accommodating to effort.
Question 5: Which exercise is most appropriate for improving scapular stabilization?
- Shoulder press with dumbbells
- Prone Y, T, W exercises (Correct answer)
- Biceps curls
- Wrist extension exercises
Correct answer: Prone Y, T, W exercises
Prone Y, T, W exercises activate lower trapezius and serratus anterior, targeting scapular stabilizers in a gravity-loaded position.
Question 6: DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) typically peaks:
- Immediately after exercise
- 24–72 hours after exercise (Correct answer)
- 1 week after exercise
- Only during the exercise session
Correct answer: 24–72 hours after exercise
DOMS peaks at 24–72 hours post-exercise, particularly after eccentric exercise, due to micro-tears and inflammatory response.
NPTE-PTA Therapeutic Exercise 2
Plyometric training is primarily designed to improve: