Free NPTE® Sample Practice Questions
We understand that it’s all about the content. That’s why we our have high-yield NPTE® 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 First Free NPTE Practice Question
An individual is seen in an outpatient clinic with a 10 degree flexion contracture of the knee. Which of the following manual techniques would be MOST effective to treat this patient’s dysfunction?
- A. Anterior glide of the proximal tibia with internal tibial rotation
- B. Anterior glide of the proximal tibia with external tibial rotation
- C. Posterior glide of the proximal tibia with internal tibial rotation
- D. Posterior glide of the proximal tibia with external tibial rotation
The Answer and Explanation
Did you get it right? The correct answer is: B
In order to extend the knee, the concave proximal tibia glides anteriorly and also externally rotates in open chain in the final degrees of knee extension. This option addresses both components of the motion and is the most effective technique to restore full knee extension after development of a knee flexion contracture.
Wrong Answer Explanations
Answer A: Anterior glide of the proximal tibia will increase knee extension, but the tibia needs to externally rotate in the final degrees of knee extension, not internally rotate.
Answer C: A posterior glide of the proximal tibia with internal tibial rotation will increase knee flexion, not extension.
Answer D: A posterior glide of the proximal tibia will increase flexion, so this would not be the most effective technique even though the tibia does externally rotate in open chain as a component of knee extension.
Bottom Line
In order to extend the knee, the concave proximal tibia glides anteriorly and also externally rotates in open chain in the final degrees of knee extension. This option addresses both components of the motion and is the most effective technique to restore full knee extension after development of a knee flexion contracture.
For more information, see:
- Kisner, Carolyn, and Lynn Allen. Colby. Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques (6th Ed.). FA Davis Company, 2012.
- Dutton, M. (2012). Dutton’s Orthopaedic examination, evaluation, and intervention (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical. pg 924.
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