Gait, Balance, and Orthotics Flashcards
7 cards from real NPTE-PT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Gait, Balance, and Orthotics flashcards as text
A patient with a right transtibial amputation demonstrates lateral trunk bending toward the prosthetic side during stance. What is the MOST likely cause?
Answer: Prosthetic shank too long
Lateral trunk lean toward the prosthetic side during stance is most commonly caused by a prosthetic shank that is too long, causing the patient to lean over it.
During the swing phase of gait, a patient with a below-knee brace (AFO) exhibits toe drag. Which AFO adjustment would BEST correct this?
Answer: Add a dorsiflexion assist spring
A dorsiflexion assist spring in the AFO helps lift the foot during swing phase, preventing toe drag caused by inadequate dorsiflexion.
Which Berg Balance Scale score BEST indicates a high fall risk in a community-dwelling older adult?
Answer: Below 41
A Berg Balance Scale score below 41 is associated with a significantly high fall risk in older adults.
A patient with L4 nerve root dysfunction will MOST likely require which orthotic device?
Answer: AFO with dorsiflexion assist
L4 innervates the tibialis anterior (dorsiflexors); weakness causes foot drop, best managed with a dorsiflexion-assist AFO.
During quiet standing, which system provides the PRIMARY sensory input for balance in a well-lit environment on a firm surface?
Answer: Proprioceptive/somatosensory
On a firm, stable surface, the proprioceptive/somatosensory system provides the dominant input for balance control.
A patient demonstrates a steppage gait pattern. Which muscle group is MOST likely weak?
Answer: Ankle dorsiflexors
Steppage gait (exaggerated hip and knee flexion during swing) compensates for weak ankle dorsiflexors causing foot drop.
Which outcome measure uses a 6-item test including single-leg stance and tandem walking to assess fall risk?
Answer: Tinetti POMA
The Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) includes balance and gait subscales, and is widely used to assess fall risk in older adults.