CERTIFIED PROSTHETIC ORTHOTIC ASSISTANT
ACTUAL EXAM PAPER 2026 COMPLETE
QUESTIONS WITH FULL SOLUTIONS GRADED
A+
◉ Purpose of corrective foot orthotics. Answer: modifies closed
kinetic chain motion and loading
◉ Purpose of metatarsal pad. Answer: moves pressure from
metatarsal heads to metatarsal shafts
- allows for more push-off in weak or inflexible feet
(located posterior to metatarsal heads
◉ Purpose of longitudinal arch support. Answer: prevent depression
of subtler joint and correct for pes planus
◉ Purpose of rear foot posting. Answer: alters position (of subtler
joint)
◉ Rearfoot posting: varus vs valgus posting. Answer: Varus posting
(medial wedge): limits or controls eversion of calcaneus
,Valgus post (lateral wedge): controls calcaneus for excessive
inversion or supination
◉ Purpose of forefoot posting. Answer: supports forefoot
◉ Forefoot posting: medial wedge is prescribed for forefoot
_______________ (varus/valgus) while lateral wedge is prescribed for
forefoot ________________ (vary/valgus). Answer: medial wedge:
forefoot varus
lateral wedge: forefoot valgus
◉ Purpose of heel lifts. Answer: accommodates for:
- leg length discrepancy
- limitation in dorsiflexion
◉ Purpose of rocker bar. Answer: improves weight shift onto
metatarsals
(located proximal to metatarsal heads)
◉ Purpose of rocker bottom:. Answer: improves push-off in weak or
inflexible feet
, ◉ General types of AFO. Answer: - hinged/articulating
- free motion
- dorsiflexion assist
- plantarflexion stop
- dorsiflexion stop
- static or solid AFO
- ground action AFO
- patellar tendon bearing AFO
- Charcot restrain orthotic walker boot
◉ Purpose of hinges/articulating AFO. Answer: allows motion in
sagittal plane and controls other motions
◉ Purpose of free motion AFO. Answer: little or no resistance to
plantarflexion or dorsiflexion, helps maintain alignment and
medial/lateral stability
◉ Purpose of dorsiflexion assist AFO. Answer: - weak dorsiflexion
- limited resistance to plantarflexion
- assist toe clearance
- help control plantarflexion
ACTUAL EXAM PAPER 2026 COMPLETE
QUESTIONS WITH FULL SOLUTIONS GRADED
A+
◉ Purpose of corrective foot orthotics. Answer: modifies closed
kinetic chain motion and loading
◉ Purpose of metatarsal pad. Answer: moves pressure from
metatarsal heads to metatarsal shafts
- allows for more push-off in weak or inflexible feet
(located posterior to metatarsal heads
◉ Purpose of longitudinal arch support. Answer: prevent depression
of subtler joint and correct for pes planus
◉ Purpose of rear foot posting. Answer: alters position (of subtler
joint)
◉ Rearfoot posting: varus vs valgus posting. Answer: Varus posting
(medial wedge): limits or controls eversion of calcaneus
,Valgus post (lateral wedge): controls calcaneus for excessive
inversion or supination
◉ Purpose of forefoot posting. Answer: supports forefoot
◉ Forefoot posting: medial wedge is prescribed for forefoot
_______________ (varus/valgus) while lateral wedge is prescribed for
forefoot ________________ (vary/valgus). Answer: medial wedge:
forefoot varus
lateral wedge: forefoot valgus
◉ Purpose of heel lifts. Answer: accommodates for:
- leg length discrepancy
- limitation in dorsiflexion
◉ Purpose of rocker bar. Answer: improves weight shift onto
metatarsals
(located proximal to metatarsal heads)
◉ Purpose of rocker bottom:. Answer: improves push-off in weak or
inflexible feet
, ◉ General types of AFO. Answer: - hinged/articulating
- free motion
- dorsiflexion assist
- plantarflexion stop
- dorsiflexion stop
- static or solid AFO
- ground action AFO
- patellar tendon bearing AFO
- Charcot restrain orthotic walker boot
◉ Purpose of hinges/articulating AFO. Answer: allows motion in
sagittal plane and controls other motions
◉ Purpose of free motion AFO. Answer: little or no resistance to
plantarflexion or dorsiflexion, helps maintain alignment and
medial/lateral stability
◉ Purpose of dorsiflexion assist AFO. Answer: - weak dorsiflexion
- limited resistance to plantarflexion
- assist toe clearance
- help control plantarflexion
