Free NPTE® Sample Practice Questions

We understand that it’s all about the content. That’s why we our have high-yield practice questions written and screened by high-performing physical therapists, and why they are updated on a regular basis to ensure our SmartBanks stay up-to-date with exam blueprint changes.

See what we mean with this free physical therapy board exam sample question.

Your Free NPTE Practice Question

During an initial examination, the physical therapist observes a patient’s gait and notices the patient leans their trunk to the right side during the mid stance phase on the right. Manual muscle testing would reveal weakness of WHICH MUSCLE?

• A. Right gluteus maximus
• B. Left gluteus maximus
• C. Right gluteus medius
• D. Left gluteus medius

The Answer and Explanation

Did you get it right? The correct answer is: C, Right gluteus medius

When standing on one leg, such as in midstance, it is the gluteus medius muscle on that stance leg that stabilizes the pelvis in the frontal plane. If the right side is weak, then when standing only on the right leg, the pelvis might drop on the left. In this question, the patient is demonstrating a compensated Trendelenburg where they lean over the weak side to reduce the moment arm of the line of gravity and the weight of the body trying to make the left side drop. The patient leans over the weak leg instead of allowing the opposite side of the pelvis to drop.