PTA NPTE Final Frontier Orientation Flashcards

Practice flashcards covering PTA NPTE preparation, including MMT grading, rehabilitation phases, spasticity scales, balance strategies, and emergency procedures.

Musculoskeletal Content Outline (PTA)

A system represented by $31-40$ items on the NPTE-PTA exam, covering anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, plan of care, and rehabilitation interventions.

C6 Myotome

Associated with the strength assessment of the Extensor carpi radialis longus.

Muscle Grade 0 (Zero)

No visible or palpable contraction.

Muscle Grade 1 (Trace)

No observable motion, but a palpable muscle contraction is present.

Muscle Grade 2- (Poor minus)

At least $50\%$ but not full ROM in a gravity minimized position with no resistance.

Muscle Grade 2 (Poor)

Full ROM in a gravity eliminated position.

Muscle Grade 3 (Fair)

Full ROM against gravity with no resistance.

Muscle Grade 4 (Good)

Full ROM against gravity with moderate resistance.

Muscle Grade 5 (Normal)

Full available ROM against gravity with strong manual resistance.

Acute Phase of Rehabilitation

A phase characterized by inflammation, pain, and loss of ROM; interventions include PRICE, massage, PROM, and isometrics within pain-free range, while avoiding stretching and resistive exercises of inflamed tissue.

Subacute Phase of Rehabilitation

A phase where pain occurs at end ROM and contractures may develop; interventions include scar mobility, stretching, and progressing from isometrics to progressive resistance.

Chronic Phase of Rehabilitation

A phase characterized by tissue contractures and poor muscle performance; interventions include complex multiplane movements, stability with distal motions, and aerobic exercise.

Modified Ashworth Scale Grade 1

Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch and release or by minimal resistance at the end of the ROM.

Modified Ashworth Scale Grade 1+

Slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch, followed by minimal resistance throughout the remainder (less than half) of the ROM.

Modified Ashworth Scale Grade 2

More marked increase in muscle tone through most of the ROM, but the affected part(s) are easily moved.

Modified Ashworth Scale Grade 3

Considerable increase in muscle tone where passive movement is difficult.

Modified Ashworth Scale Grade 4

The affected part(s) are rigid in flexion or extension.

Fixed Support Strategies

Movement strategies used to control the Center of Mass (COM) over a fixed base of support, specifically the Ankle strategy and Hip strategy.

Forward Sway (Ankle Strategy)

A balance response where muscles are activated in the order of Gastrocnemius, then Hamstrings, then Paraspinals.

Backward Sway (Ankle Strategy)

A balance response where muscles are activated in the order of Tibialis anterior, then Quadriceps, then Abdominals.

Submaximal Graded Exercise Test (GXT)

An exercise tolerance test where the target end point is $85\%$ age-predicted max or terminated due to symptoms.

Exercise Testing Termination Criteria

Includes onset of angina, drop in SBP of $10+$ with increased workload, SBP rise to $>250$, DBP rise to $>115$, or signs of poor perfusion.

4-point Gait Pattern

A pattern using two assistive devices where the sequence is: Left AD, then Right foot, then Right AD, then Left foot.

2-point Gait Pattern

A pattern where the Left AD and Right foot move together, followed by the Right AD and Left foot moving together.

3-point Gait Pattern

A non-weightbearing pattern using bilateral assistive devices or a walker, where the ADs move followed by the weight-bearing foot.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

A medical emergency where SBP increases $\geq 20-40\,mmHg$; immediate response is to sit the patient upright and supported and check for a trigger like a kinked catheter.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A condition where SBP drops $\geq 20\,mmHg$ or DBP drops $\geq 10\,mmHg$; immediate response is to lay the patient down and raise the legs.