SECTION 1: THERMAL AGENTS (Questions 1-50)
1. The velocity of peripheral nerve conduction is decreased ___ m/sec per degree centigrade
of cooling?
1) 2.4
2) 1.5
3) 3.0
4) 4.2
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Peripheral nerve conduction velocity decreases by approximately 2.4 m/sec for
each degree Celsius of cooling. This is due to temperature-dependent changes in sodium
channel kinetics, membrane resistance, and myelin properties. Cooling slows the opening
and closing of voltage-gated ion channels, prolonging the action potential and reducing
conduction velocity. This is the basis for the therapeutic effect of cryotherapy on spasticity
and pain.
2. Which of the following physiotherapy machines might be best used for carbuncles,
wounds and infected ulcers?
1) Ultraviolet radiation
2) Ultrasound
3) Diathermy
4) Infrared
Correct Answer: 1
SCHOLARSOURCE 1
,Rationale: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the modality of choice for infected wounds,
carbuncles, and ulcers due to its bactericidal properties. UV light at specific wavelengths
(particularly UV-C at 254 nm) damages bacterial DNA, preventing replication and
promoting wound healing. It also stimulates local immune responses and enhances
epithelialization. Ultrasound, diathermy, and infrared are more appropriate for deep
heating and do not provide the same antimicrobial effects.
3. Traction is contraindicated in which of the following conditions?
1) Hypertension
2) Disc herniation
3) Muscle spasm
4) Arthritis
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Traction is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension because
the increase in intradiscal pressure and sympathetic stimulation during traction can cause
a dangerous rise in blood pressure. Disc herniation, muscle spasm, and arthritis are
actually indications for traction in many cases. Hypertension is a relative contraindication
that requires careful monitoring and physician clearance before traction application.
4. What is an effect of high frequency therapy?
1) Analgesic
2) Hypo-myotonia
3) Edema reduction
4) Postural change
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: High frequency therapy (e.g., shortwave diathermy) produces an analgesic effect
through deep tissue heating, which increases blood flow, reduces muscle spasm, and
promotes tissue relaxation. The analgesic effect is mediated by the gate control theory and
increased endorphin release. Hypo-myotonia (decreased muscle tone) is not a direct effect;
rather, it may occur secondary to pain relief and muscle relaxation.
SCHOLARSOURCE 2
,5. In which range of scoliosis does one generally employ a Milwaukee brace?
1) 20 - 40 degrees
2) 10 - 20 degrees
3) 40 - 60 degrees
4) 60 - 80 degrees
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: The Milwaukee brace is typically indicated for scoliotic curves between 20 and
40 degrees in growing children. It is a cervico-thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis (CTLSO)
designed to prevent curve progression rather than correct existing deformity. Curves less
than 20 degrees are usually observed, while curves greater than 40-50 degrees often
require surgical intervention. The brace applies three-point pressure to correct the curve
and control progression during skeletal growth.
6. How long after an injury does adhesion formation begin?
1) 24 hours
2) 5 days
3) 2 weeks
4) 1 month
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Adhesion formation begins within 24 hours after injury as part of the
inflammatory response. Fibrinogen leaks from damaged capillaries and converts to fibrin,
which forms a meshwork that serves as a scaffold for fibroblast migration. Collagen
deposition and cross-linking occur over subsequent days to weeks, maturing into
permanent adhesions. Early mobilization and motion are crucial to prevent excessive
adhesion formation during this critical period.
7. Milwaukee, Boston, and TLSO braces are primarily used for which condition?
1) Scoliosis
2) Kyphosis
3) Lordosis
SCHOLARSOURCE 3
, 4) Spondylolisthesis
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Milwaukee, Boston, and TLSO braces are all orthotic devices designed primarily
for the management of scoliosis. The Milwaukee brace is a CTLSO used for high thoracic
curves, while the Boston and TLSO (Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis) are used for lower
thoracic and lumbar curves. These braces apply corrective forces to prevent progression of
the spinal curvature during growth.
8. The most important reason to use a brace in scoliosis is to?
1) Inhibit greater progression of the curve
2) Correct the curve
3) Prevent pain
4) Improve posture
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: The primary purpose of bracing in scoliosis is to inhibit or slow the progression
of the curve during skeletal growth. Bracing does not typically correct the curve but aims to
prevent it from worsening. Pain prevention and posture improvement are secondary
benefits. The bracing is most effective when used during the adolescent growth spurt when
progression risk is highest.
9. When treating a patient with low back strain, the modality chosen should be given
careful consideration when the patient ...?
1) Is pregnant
2) Has diabetes
3) Has hypertension
4) Has osteoporosis
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Pregnancy requires special consideration when selecting physical therapy
modalities due to potential risks to the developing fetus. Many modalities (ultrasound,
diathermy, electrical stimulation) are contraindicated or should be used with extreme
caution during pregnancy, particularly in the lumbopelvic region. Modalities that could
SCHOLARSOURCE 4
1. The velocity of peripheral nerve conduction is decreased ___ m/sec per degree centigrade
of cooling?
1) 2.4
2) 1.5
3) 3.0
4) 4.2
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Peripheral nerve conduction velocity decreases by approximately 2.4 m/sec for
each degree Celsius of cooling. This is due to temperature-dependent changes in sodium
channel kinetics, membrane resistance, and myelin properties. Cooling slows the opening
and closing of voltage-gated ion channels, prolonging the action potential and reducing
conduction velocity. This is the basis for the therapeutic effect of cryotherapy on spasticity
and pain.
2. Which of the following physiotherapy machines might be best used for carbuncles,
wounds and infected ulcers?
1) Ultraviolet radiation
2) Ultrasound
3) Diathermy
4) Infrared
Correct Answer: 1
SCHOLARSOURCE 1
,Rationale: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the modality of choice for infected wounds,
carbuncles, and ulcers due to its bactericidal properties. UV light at specific wavelengths
(particularly UV-C at 254 nm) damages bacterial DNA, preventing replication and
promoting wound healing. It also stimulates local immune responses and enhances
epithelialization. Ultrasound, diathermy, and infrared are more appropriate for deep
heating and do not provide the same antimicrobial effects.
3. Traction is contraindicated in which of the following conditions?
1) Hypertension
2) Disc herniation
3) Muscle spasm
4) Arthritis
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Traction is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension because
the increase in intradiscal pressure and sympathetic stimulation during traction can cause
a dangerous rise in blood pressure. Disc herniation, muscle spasm, and arthritis are
actually indications for traction in many cases. Hypertension is a relative contraindication
that requires careful monitoring and physician clearance before traction application.
4. What is an effect of high frequency therapy?
1) Analgesic
2) Hypo-myotonia
3) Edema reduction
4) Postural change
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: High frequency therapy (e.g., shortwave diathermy) produces an analgesic effect
through deep tissue heating, which increases blood flow, reduces muscle spasm, and
promotes tissue relaxation. The analgesic effect is mediated by the gate control theory and
increased endorphin release. Hypo-myotonia (decreased muscle tone) is not a direct effect;
rather, it may occur secondary to pain relief and muscle relaxation.
SCHOLARSOURCE 2
,5. In which range of scoliosis does one generally employ a Milwaukee brace?
1) 20 - 40 degrees
2) 10 - 20 degrees
3) 40 - 60 degrees
4) 60 - 80 degrees
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: The Milwaukee brace is typically indicated for scoliotic curves between 20 and
40 degrees in growing children. It is a cervico-thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis (CTLSO)
designed to prevent curve progression rather than correct existing deformity. Curves less
than 20 degrees are usually observed, while curves greater than 40-50 degrees often
require surgical intervention. The brace applies three-point pressure to correct the curve
and control progression during skeletal growth.
6. How long after an injury does adhesion formation begin?
1) 24 hours
2) 5 days
3) 2 weeks
4) 1 month
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Adhesion formation begins within 24 hours after injury as part of the
inflammatory response. Fibrinogen leaks from damaged capillaries and converts to fibrin,
which forms a meshwork that serves as a scaffold for fibroblast migration. Collagen
deposition and cross-linking occur over subsequent days to weeks, maturing into
permanent adhesions. Early mobilization and motion are crucial to prevent excessive
adhesion formation during this critical period.
7. Milwaukee, Boston, and TLSO braces are primarily used for which condition?
1) Scoliosis
2) Kyphosis
3) Lordosis
SCHOLARSOURCE 3
, 4) Spondylolisthesis
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Milwaukee, Boston, and TLSO braces are all orthotic devices designed primarily
for the management of scoliosis. The Milwaukee brace is a CTLSO used for high thoracic
curves, while the Boston and TLSO (Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis) are used for lower
thoracic and lumbar curves. These braces apply corrective forces to prevent progression of
the spinal curvature during growth.
8. The most important reason to use a brace in scoliosis is to?
1) Inhibit greater progression of the curve
2) Correct the curve
3) Prevent pain
4) Improve posture
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: The primary purpose of bracing in scoliosis is to inhibit or slow the progression
of the curve during skeletal growth. Bracing does not typically correct the curve but aims to
prevent it from worsening. Pain prevention and posture improvement are secondary
benefits. The bracing is most effective when used during the adolescent growth spurt when
progression risk is highest.
9. When treating a patient with low back strain, the modality chosen should be given
careful consideration when the patient ...?
1) Is pregnant
2) Has diabetes
3) Has hypertension
4) Has osteoporosis
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Pregnancy requires special consideration when selecting physical therapy
modalities due to potential risks to the developing fetus. Many modalities (ultrasound,
diathermy, electrical stimulation) are contraindicated or should be used with extreme
caution during pregnancy, particularly in the lumbopelvic region. Modalities that could
SCHOLARSOURCE 4
