Review Flashcards

A physical therapist is treating a patient with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Which intervention has the strongest evidence for reducing allodynia and restoring function?

Answer: Graded motor imagery and mirror therapy

Graded motor imagery (GMI) and mirror therapy target cortical reorganization and have the strongest evidence for reducing pain and improving function in CRPS.

Which ASIA Impairment Scale classification describes a patient with motor and sensory function preserved below the neurological level of injury, with more than half of key muscles below the level having a grade less than 3?

Answer: ASIA C

ASIA C indicates motor-incomplete injury where motor function is preserved below the neurological level, but more than half of key muscle functions below the level have a muscle grade less than 3.

A patient with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) would most benefit from strengthening which muscle group based on current evidence?

Answer: Hip abductors and external rotators

Strengthening hip abductors and external rotators reduces dynamic valgus and patellofemoral joint stress, and has strong evidence for improving outcomes in PFPS.

During lumbar spine assessment, a positive FABER (Patrick's) test suggests pathology in which structure?

Answer: Sacroiliac joint or hip joint

The FABER test stresses both the sacroiliac joint and the hip joint; a positive test (groin or posterior pain) implicates pathology in either structure.

Which type of contracture results from prolonged immobilization and involves shortening of the musculotendinous unit without bony changes?

Answer: Myostatic contracture

Myostatic contracture occurs when a muscle is immobilized in a shortened position, reducing the number of sarcomeres in series; it responds well to stretching.

When applying electrical stimulation for muscle re-education, which parameter most directly affects the depth of current penetration?

Answer: Electrode size and placement

Electrode size and placement most directly influence current density and depth; smaller electrodes concentrate current superficially while larger electrodes allow deeper penetration.

A therapist documents that a patient has 'active insufficiency' of the rectus femoris. In which position would this be most evident?

Answer: Hip flexion with knee flexed

Active insufficiency of the rectus femoris occurs when the hip is flexed AND the knee is flexed simultaneously, as the two-joint muscle cannot generate adequate tension at both ends at once.