Michigan Physical Therapist License
Practice Exam Questions With Correct
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Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. Which of the following is the primary goal of physical therapy in
patients with acute stroke?
A. Increase cardiovascular endurance
B. Promote independence in activities of daily living
C. Strengthen unaffected limbs
D. Administer pharmacological treatment
B. Promote independence in activities of daily living
Rationale: Early rehabilitation focuses on restoring functional
independence and preventing complications rather than solely on
strengthening or medications.
2. The most appropriate test to assess balance in older adults is:
A. 6-Minute Walk Test
B. Timed Up and Go (TUG)
C. Manual Muscle Testing
D. Goniometry
B. Timed Up and Go (TUG)
, Rationale: The TUG test evaluates mobility, balance, walking
ability, and fall risk in older adults.
3. Which of the following modalities is contraindicated for a patient
with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Ice therapy
B. Electrical stimulation
C. Heat therapy
D. Range of motion exercises
C. Heat therapy
Rationale: Heat can increase circulation and potentially dislodge a
thrombus, which can lead to pulmonary embolism.
4. Which condition is characterized by progressive loss of bone
density, increasing fracture risk?
A. Osteoarthritis
B. Osteoporosis
C. Rheumatoid arthritis
D. Tendonitis
B. Osteoporosis
Rationale: Osteoporosis leads to weakened bones and higher
susceptibility to fractures, commonly in postmenopausal women.
5. A patient presents with plantar fasciitis. The most effective initial
intervention is:
A. Corticosteroid injection
B. Stretching of the plantar fascia and calf muscles
C. Surgical release
D. Complete rest for 6 weeks
B. Stretching of the plantar fascia and calf muscles
, Rationale: Conservative management with stretching and
supportive footwear is first-line before considering injections or
surgery.
6. Which type of exercise is most appropriate for improving
cardiovascular endurance?
A. Resistance training
B. Aerobic exercise
C. Passive range of motion
D. PNF stretching
B. Aerobic exercise
Rationale: Aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, or swimming,
enhances cardiovascular endurance.
7. A patient with low back pain should be advised to:
A. Remain in bed until pain resolves
B. Engage in gentle activity and avoid prolonged bed rest
C. Avoid all movement of the spine
D. Only perform aerobic exercise
B. Engage in gentle activity and avoid prolonged bed rest
Rationale: Early mobilization reduces pain, improves function, and
prevents deconditioning.
8. Which reflex is tested by tapping the Achilles tendon?
A. Patellar reflex
B. Biceps reflex
C. Triceps reflex
D. Ankle jerk reflex
D. Ankle jerk reflex
, Rationale: The Achilles tendon reflex assesses the S1-S2 nerve
roots and gastrocnemius-soleus muscle function.
9. The primary purpose of joint mobilization in physical therapy is to:
A. Increase muscle mass
B. Improve joint range of motion
C. Decrease cardiovascular risk
D. Administer medication locally
B. Improve joint range of motion
Rationale: Joint mobilization techniques aim to restore normal
joint motion and decrease pain.
10. Which of the following is a contraindication to using
ultrasound therapy?
A. Chronic tendinitis
B. Over a pacemaker
C. Scar tissue management
D. Joint contractures
B. Over a pacemaker
Rationale: Ultrasound should not be applied over implanted
electrical devices due to the risk of interference or malfunction.
11. A 60-year-old patient with knee osteoarthritis requires
strengthening exercises. The most appropriate initial focus is:
A. Quadriceps and hip abductors
B. Hamstrings only
C. Calf muscles exclusively
D. Upper body muscles only
A. Quadriceps and hip abductors
Practice Exam Questions With Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary goal of physical therapy in
patients with acute stroke?
A. Increase cardiovascular endurance
B. Promote independence in activities of daily living
C. Strengthen unaffected limbs
D. Administer pharmacological treatment
B. Promote independence in activities of daily living
Rationale: Early rehabilitation focuses on restoring functional
independence and preventing complications rather than solely on
strengthening or medications.
2. The most appropriate test to assess balance in older adults is:
A. 6-Minute Walk Test
B. Timed Up and Go (TUG)
C. Manual Muscle Testing
D. Goniometry
B. Timed Up and Go (TUG)
, Rationale: The TUG test evaluates mobility, balance, walking
ability, and fall risk in older adults.
3. Which of the following modalities is contraindicated for a patient
with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Ice therapy
B. Electrical stimulation
C. Heat therapy
D. Range of motion exercises
C. Heat therapy
Rationale: Heat can increase circulation and potentially dislodge a
thrombus, which can lead to pulmonary embolism.
4. Which condition is characterized by progressive loss of bone
density, increasing fracture risk?
A. Osteoarthritis
B. Osteoporosis
C. Rheumatoid arthritis
D. Tendonitis
B. Osteoporosis
Rationale: Osteoporosis leads to weakened bones and higher
susceptibility to fractures, commonly in postmenopausal women.
5. A patient presents with plantar fasciitis. The most effective initial
intervention is:
A. Corticosteroid injection
B. Stretching of the plantar fascia and calf muscles
C. Surgical release
D. Complete rest for 6 weeks
B. Stretching of the plantar fascia and calf muscles
, Rationale: Conservative management with stretching and
supportive footwear is first-line before considering injections or
surgery.
6. Which type of exercise is most appropriate for improving
cardiovascular endurance?
A. Resistance training
B. Aerobic exercise
C. Passive range of motion
D. PNF stretching
B. Aerobic exercise
Rationale: Aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, or swimming,
enhances cardiovascular endurance.
7. A patient with low back pain should be advised to:
A. Remain in bed until pain resolves
B. Engage in gentle activity and avoid prolonged bed rest
C. Avoid all movement of the spine
D. Only perform aerobic exercise
B. Engage in gentle activity and avoid prolonged bed rest
Rationale: Early mobilization reduces pain, improves function, and
prevents deconditioning.
8. Which reflex is tested by tapping the Achilles tendon?
A. Patellar reflex
B. Biceps reflex
C. Triceps reflex
D. Ankle jerk reflex
D. Ankle jerk reflex
, Rationale: The Achilles tendon reflex assesses the S1-S2 nerve
roots and gastrocnemius-soleus muscle function.
9. The primary purpose of joint mobilization in physical therapy is to:
A. Increase muscle mass
B. Improve joint range of motion
C. Decrease cardiovascular risk
D. Administer medication locally
B. Improve joint range of motion
Rationale: Joint mobilization techniques aim to restore normal
joint motion and decrease pain.
10. Which of the following is a contraindication to using
ultrasound therapy?
A. Chronic tendinitis
B. Over a pacemaker
C. Scar tissue management
D. Joint contractures
B. Over a pacemaker
Rationale: Ultrasound should not be applied over implanted
electrical devices due to the risk of interference or malfunction.
11. A 60-year-old patient with knee osteoarthritis requires
strengthening exercises. The most appropriate initial focus is:
A. Quadriceps and hip abductors
B. Hamstrings only
C. Calf muscles exclusively
D. Upper body muscles only
A. Quadriceps and hip abductors
