BPT2015 | BPT2015 Physiotherapy Exam 3
Version 3 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Rajiv
Gandhi University of Health Sciences
1. Which of the following clinical presentations is most indicative of a positive
Romberg’s test due to sensory ataxia?
A. The patient is unable to maintain balance even with their eyes open and a wide
base of support.
B. The patient demonstrates a constant tremor that persists regardless of visual
input.
C. The patient maintains balance with eyes open but loses it significantly when eyes
are closed.
D. The patient shows significant dysmetria during the finger-to-nose test with eyes
open.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: A positive Romberg test occurs when a patient can maintain
balance with eyes open but sways or falls when eyes are closed. This result
specifically suggests a loss of proprioceptive input from the lower extremities, often
involving the dorsal columns. In contrast, cerebellar ataxia usually causes instability
regardless of whether the eyes are open or closed. The test is a fundamental tool for
,differentiating between sensory and motor coordination deficits. Understanding this
distinction is critical for selecting the appropriate neurorehabilitation strategy for
the patient.
2. In the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), what total score threshold is widely accepted as
indicating a high risk of falls in the elderly population?
A. A score between 50 and 56.
B. A score of 45 or below.
C. A score of exactly 48.
D. A score above 52.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The Berg Balance Scale is a 14-item objective measure
designed to assess static balance and fall risk. A score of 45 or less is the traditional
cutoff point used to identify individuals at a high risk for falling. This tool evaluates
various tasks ranging from sitting to standing on one leg. Clinicians use these scores
to justify the need for assistive devices and safety interventions. Regular monitoring
of the BBS score helps in tracking the efficacy of the prescribed balance training
program.
,3. Which PNF technique is specifically indicated for patients who have difficulty
initiating movement, such as those with Parkinson’s disease?
A. Repeated Contractions
B. Rhythmic Initiation
C. Slow Reversal
D. Agonist Reversal
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Rhythmic initiation is a PNF technique used to assist patients
who struggle with the start of a motor task. It follows a progression from passive to
active-assisted, then active, and finally resisted movement. This sequence helps the
patient feel the movement pattern and promotes relaxation in the presence of
rigidity. It is particularly beneficial for managing the bradykinesia and freezing
episodes often seen in Parkinson’s disease. Consistent use of this technique can help
re-establish a smoother and more functional motor plan.
4. A patient exhibits the inability to judge the distance or range of a movement, often
overshooting a target. What is the clinical term for this cerebellar impairment?
A. Dysdiadochokinesia
B. Dysmetria
C. Asthenia
, D. Asynergia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Dysmetria refers to the inability to control the range of
movement and the force of muscular activity. It is a hallmark sign of cerebellar
dysfunction, resulting in overshooting or undershooting a specified target. This
deficit is typically assessed using the finger-to-nose or heel-to-shin tests. Such
impairments significantly impact the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily
living that require precision. Physical therapy focuses on coordination exercises and
visual cues to compensate for these motor control errors.
5. What is the primary instructional principle when performing Frenkel’s Exercises for
a patient with sensory ataxia?
A. Movements should only be performed in the prone position to ensure safety.
B. Exercises must be performed at a very high speed to increase muscle power.
C. The patient should be blindfolded to force the use of remaining proprioception.
D. Exercises should be performed with high concentration and frequent use of
visual feedback.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Frenkel’s Exercises are a series of slow, repetitive movements
designed to improve coordination in patients with ataxia. The core principle is the
Version 3 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Rajiv
Gandhi University of Health Sciences
1. Which of the following clinical presentations is most indicative of a positive
Romberg’s test due to sensory ataxia?
A. The patient is unable to maintain balance even with their eyes open and a wide
base of support.
B. The patient demonstrates a constant tremor that persists regardless of visual
input.
C. The patient maintains balance with eyes open but loses it significantly when eyes
are closed.
D. The patient shows significant dysmetria during the finger-to-nose test with eyes
open.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: A positive Romberg test occurs when a patient can maintain
balance with eyes open but sways or falls when eyes are closed. This result
specifically suggests a loss of proprioceptive input from the lower extremities, often
involving the dorsal columns. In contrast, cerebellar ataxia usually causes instability
regardless of whether the eyes are open or closed. The test is a fundamental tool for
,differentiating between sensory and motor coordination deficits. Understanding this
distinction is critical for selecting the appropriate neurorehabilitation strategy for
the patient.
2. In the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), what total score threshold is widely accepted as
indicating a high risk of falls in the elderly population?
A. A score between 50 and 56.
B. A score of 45 or below.
C. A score of exactly 48.
D. A score above 52.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The Berg Balance Scale is a 14-item objective measure
designed to assess static balance and fall risk. A score of 45 or less is the traditional
cutoff point used to identify individuals at a high risk for falling. This tool evaluates
various tasks ranging from sitting to standing on one leg. Clinicians use these scores
to justify the need for assistive devices and safety interventions. Regular monitoring
of the BBS score helps in tracking the efficacy of the prescribed balance training
program.
,3. Which PNF technique is specifically indicated for patients who have difficulty
initiating movement, such as those with Parkinson’s disease?
A. Repeated Contractions
B. Rhythmic Initiation
C. Slow Reversal
D. Agonist Reversal
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Rhythmic initiation is a PNF technique used to assist patients
who struggle with the start of a motor task. It follows a progression from passive to
active-assisted, then active, and finally resisted movement. This sequence helps the
patient feel the movement pattern and promotes relaxation in the presence of
rigidity. It is particularly beneficial for managing the bradykinesia and freezing
episodes often seen in Parkinson’s disease. Consistent use of this technique can help
re-establish a smoother and more functional motor plan.
4. A patient exhibits the inability to judge the distance or range of a movement, often
overshooting a target. What is the clinical term for this cerebellar impairment?
A. Dysdiadochokinesia
B. Dysmetria
C. Asthenia
, D. Asynergia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Dysmetria refers to the inability to control the range of
movement and the force of muscular activity. It is a hallmark sign of cerebellar
dysfunction, resulting in overshooting or undershooting a specified target. This
deficit is typically assessed using the finger-to-nose or heel-to-shin tests. Such
impairments significantly impact the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily
living that require precision. Physical therapy focuses on coordination exercises and
visual cues to compensate for these motor control errors.
5. What is the primary instructional principle when performing Frenkel’s Exercises for
a patient with sensory ataxia?
A. Movements should only be performed in the prone position to ensure safety.
B. Exercises must be performed at a very high speed to increase muscle power.
C. The patient should be blindfolded to force the use of remaining proprioception.
D. Exercises should be performed with high concentration and frequent use of
visual feedback.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Frenkel’s Exercises are a series of slow, repetitive movements
designed to improve coordination in patients with ataxia. The core principle is the
