BPT2015 | BPT2015 Physiotherapy Exam 3
Version 2 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Rajiv
Gandhi University of Health Sciences
1. Which neuroplastic mechanism involves the strengthening of synaptic connections
through repeated activation, often cited as a basis for motor learning?
A. Long-term Depression (LTD)
B. Chromatolysis
C. Wallerian Degeneration
D. Long-term Potentiation (LTP)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Long-term Potentiation (LTP) is a cellular mechanism that
increases the efficacy of synaptic transmission between neurons. In neurological
rehabilitation, repeated practice of tasks leverages LTP to rewire neural pathways.
This process is essential for the acquisition of new motor skills and the recovery of
lost functions. Physiotherapists use high-repetition training to trigger these lasting
changes in the brain’s architecture. Without LTP, the nervous system would lack the
flexibility required to adapt to environmental demands after an injury.
,2. In the management of a patient with chronic stroke, what is the primary goal of
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)?
A. To increase the use of the unaffected limb
B. To overcome ‘learned non-use’ of the affected limb
C. To provide passive stretching to the spastic muscles
D. To decrease tactile stimulation on the paretic side
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: CIMT is a therapeutic strategy designed to force the patient to
use their paretic limb by restraining the stronger limb. It specifically addresses the
phenomenon known as ‘learned non-use,’ where patients stop trying to use a limb
due to previous failures. By intensively practicing functional tasks, the patient
promotes cortical reorganization in the motor cortex. This intervention is highly
effective for improving upper extremity function in patients with some residual
movement. It emphasizes the ‘use it or lose it’ principle of neuroplasticity in long-
term stroke care.
3. A patient with a T6 level Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) suddenly reports a severe headache
and exhibits profuse sweating above the level of the lesion. What is the most likely
condition?
A. Orthostatic Hypotension
,B. Deep Vein Thrombosis
C. Hypovolemic Shock
D. Autonomic Dysreflexia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Autonomic Dysreflexia is a medical emergency that occurs in
patients with spinal cord injuries at or above the T6 level. It is characterized by an
uninhibited sympathetic response to a noxious stimulus below the level of the
lesion. Common triggers include a full bladder, impacted bowel, or skin irritation.
Physiotherapists must immediately sit the patient upright to lower blood pressure
and identify the triggering stimulus. Failure to treat this condition promptly can lead
to seizures, stroke, or even death.
4. Which of the following is an example of an ‘Activity’ limitation according to the
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework?
A. Inability to walk independently in the community
B. Reduced muscle strength in the quadriceps
C. Restricted access to public transportation
D. Demyelination of the corticospinal tract
Correct Answer: A
, Expert Explanation: The ICF framework distinguishes between body
functions/structures, activities, and participation. Activity refers to the execution of
a task or action by an individual, such as walking or dressing. In this scenario,
walking independently is the specific task being measured. Muscle strength and
demyelination fall under body functions and structures, while community access
relates to participation or environmental factors. Understanding these distinctions
allows physiotherapists to plan more effective, patient-centered rehabilitation
strategies.
5. A patient with Parkinson’s Disease experiences ‘Freezing of Gait’ (FOG). Which
intervention is most effective for improving functional mobility during these episodes?
A. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching
B. External rhythmic auditory or visual cueing
C. High-intensity isometric strengthening
D. Complete bed rest during ‘off’ periods
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Freezing of gait is a debilitating symptom of Parkinson’s
Disease that significantly increases fall risk. Rhythmic cueing, such as using a
metronome or lines on the floor, helps patients bypass impaired basal ganglia
circuits. These external triggers utilize the premotor cortex to initiate movement
Version 2 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Rajiv
Gandhi University of Health Sciences
1. Which neuroplastic mechanism involves the strengthening of synaptic connections
through repeated activation, often cited as a basis for motor learning?
A. Long-term Depression (LTD)
B. Chromatolysis
C. Wallerian Degeneration
D. Long-term Potentiation (LTP)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Long-term Potentiation (LTP) is a cellular mechanism that
increases the efficacy of synaptic transmission between neurons. In neurological
rehabilitation, repeated practice of tasks leverages LTP to rewire neural pathways.
This process is essential for the acquisition of new motor skills and the recovery of
lost functions. Physiotherapists use high-repetition training to trigger these lasting
changes in the brain’s architecture. Without LTP, the nervous system would lack the
flexibility required to adapt to environmental demands after an injury.
,2. In the management of a patient with chronic stroke, what is the primary goal of
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)?
A. To increase the use of the unaffected limb
B. To overcome ‘learned non-use’ of the affected limb
C. To provide passive stretching to the spastic muscles
D. To decrease tactile stimulation on the paretic side
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: CIMT is a therapeutic strategy designed to force the patient to
use their paretic limb by restraining the stronger limb. It specifically addresses the
phenomenon known as ‘learned non-use,’ where patients stop trying to use a limb
due to previous failures. By intensively practicing functional tasks, the patient
promotes cortical reorganization in the motor cortex. This intervention is highly
effective for improving upper extremity function in patients with some residual
movement. It emphasizes the ‘use it or lose it’ principle of neuroplasticity in long-
term stroke care.
3. A patient with a T6 level Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) suddenly reports a severe headache
and exhibits profuse sweating above the level of the lesion. What is the most likely
condition?
A. Orthostatic Hypotension
,B. Deep Vein Thrombosis
C. Hypovolemic Shock
D. Autonomic Dysreflexia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Autonomic Dysreflexia is a medical emergency that occurs in
patients with spinal cord injuries at or above the T6 level. It is characterized by an
uninhibited sympathetic response to a noxious stimulus below the level of the
lesion. Common triggers include a full bladder, impacted bowel, or skin irritation.
Physiotherapists must immediately sit the patient upright to lower blood pressure
and identify the triggering stimulus. Failure to treat this condition promptly can lead
to seizures, stroke, or even death.
4. Which of the following is an example of an ‘Activity’ limitation according to the
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework?
A. Inability to walk independently in the community
B. Reduced muscle strength in the quadriceps
C. Restricted access to public transportation
D. Demyelination of the corticospinal tract
Correct Answer: A
, Expert Explanation: The ICF framework distinguishes between body
functions/structures, activities, and participation. Activity refers to the execution of
a task or action by an individual, such as walking or dressing. In this scenario,
walking independently is the specific task being measured. Muscle strength and
demyelination fall under body functions and structures, while community access
relates to participation or environmental factors. Understanding these distinctions
allows physiotherapists to plan more effective, patient-centered rehabilitation
strategies.
5. A patient with Parkinson’s Disease experiences ‘Freezing of Gait’ (FOG). Which
intervention is most effective for improving functional mobility during these episodes?
A. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching
B. External rhythmic auditory or visual cueing
C. High-intensity isometric strengthening
D. Complete bed rest during ‘off’ periods
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Freezing of gait is a debilitating symptom of Parkinson’s
Disease that significantly increases fall risk. Rhythmic cueing, such as using a
metronome or lines on the floor, helps patients bypass impaired basal ganglia
circuits. These external triggers utilize the premotor cortex to initiate movement
