Question 1

Which of the following gait deviations is the MOST common compensation for weak dorsiflexors?&#10;A)Circumduction of the hip during swing&#10;B)Decreased knee flexion during stance&#10;C)Increased plantarflexion during swing&#10;D)Hip hiking on the contralateral limb

Accepted Answer

Circumduction of the hip during swing phase is a common compensation for weak dorsiflexors, allowing the foot to clear the ground without the need for active dorsiflexion.

Question 2

What are the MOST likely causes for a decreased heel strike or initial contact on the involved extremity with no limping?&#10;A)Plantarflexion spasticity&#10;B)Plantarflexion weakness&#10;C)Plantarflexion contracture&#10;D)Dorsiflexion contracture

Accepted Answer

Plantarflexion spasticity can cause a decreased heel strike because the foot may be in a plantarflexed position, preventing the heel from making initial contact with the ground.

Question 3

What is the MOST important reason for reassessing a patient's gait characteristics after six physical therapy visits?&#10;A)To assist with movement diagnosis&#10;B)To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment&#10;C)To understand the gait characteristics of a particular disorder&#10;D)To inform selection of intervention(s)

Accepted Answer

Reassessing a patient's gait characteristics after six physical therapy visits is important to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. This will help the physical therapist understand if the interventions being used are helping the patient improve their gait or not. Based on the results of the reassessment, the therapist can then modify the treatment plan as needed to continue progress towards the patient's goals.

Question 4

What is the BEST strategy for reducing plantar surface pressure in patients with diabetes?&#10;A)Walk at faster speeds with shoes.&#10;B)Walk at slower speeds with shoes.&#10;C)Walk at slower speeds without shoes.&#10;D)Walk at faster speeds without shoes.

Accepted Answer

Walking at slower speeds with shoes can help to distribute pressure more evenly across the foot and reduce the risk of excessive pressure on the plantar surface. Walking without shoes can increase the risk of injury and does not provide the necessary support and cushioning to reduce pressure. Walking at faster speeds may also increase pressure on the plantar surface.

Question 5

Based on best evidence regarding conditions such as unilateral weakness or hemiparesis,which limb should be used to start a step forward when teaching someone how to ambulate?&#10;A)Affected limb&#10;B)Unaffected limb&#10;C)The patient's preferred limb&#10;D)The limb opposite to the side of guarding

Accepted Answer

Starting with the affected limb encourages weight bearing and use of the weaker side, promoting strength and coordination improvements.

Question 6

Which of the following is the MOST appropriate instrument for gathering objective data on the likelihood of falls in a population of patients recovering from total hip replacement?&#10;A)Functional Independence Measure (FIM)&#10;B)Functional Ambulation Profile (FAP)&#10;C)Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile (mEFAP)&#10;D)Iowa Level of Assistance Scale (ILAS)

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is the MOST...

Question 7

What muscle weakness is MORE likely to cause persistent knee extension from heel strike through midstance?&#10;A)Dorsiflexors&#10;B)Gluteals&#10;C)Quadriceps&#10;D)Hamstrings

Accepted Answer

The quadriceps are the primary muscle group responsible for knee extension during the gait cycle. Weakness in the quadriceps can result in persistent knee extension from heel strike through midstance.

Question 8

Which diagnosis is MORE likely to lead to the following observed gait pattern: decreased heel strike or initial contact with a decreased step length and normal heel off or terminal stance?&#10;A)Dorsiflexion weakness&#10;B)Quadriceps weakness&#10;C)Plantar flexion weakness&#10;D)Leg length discrepancy

Accepted Answer

The observed gait pattern of decreased heel strike or initial contact with a decreased step length and normal heel off or terminal stance is typical of foot drop, which results from dorsiflexion weakness. Patients with foot drop may also exhibit compensatory movements such as hip hiking and circumduction of the affected limb to clear the foot during swing phase. Quandricep weakness will have characteristics of decreased stance phase and leg length discrepancy may involve more lateralized movements.

Deck 7: Examination of Gait