Physiology & Rehabilitation MCQs

A physical therapist designs a rehabilitation protocol for a patient recovering from a hamstring strain. The protocol emphasizes muscle contractions where the muscle lengthens while developing tension. This type of contraction, which is known to generate the highest forces and is most associated with delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), is known as:

A biomechanical analysis of a normal adult gait cycle is performed in a gait laboratory. During which phase of the gait cycle does the gluteus maximus exhibit its peak electromyographic (EMG) activity?

Slow-twitch (Type I) muscle fibers are specialized for endurance activities. Compared to Type II (fast-twitch) fibers, Type I fibers have a higher intracellular concentration of which of the following?

During a drop jump exercise, the quadriceps muscle actively lengthens as the person lands to absorb the impact. What type of muscle contraction is this?

During the normal human gait cycle, at which phase does the anterior tibialis muscle exhibit its peak electromyographic (EMG) activity?

Compared to Type II (fast-twitch) muscle fibers, Type I (slow-twitch) skeletal muscle fibers typically possess a higher intracellular concentration of:

Which of the following characteristics best describes Type I muscle fibers?

A 28-year-old elite marathon runner undergoes a muscle biopsy for a physiology study. Compared to a sedentary individual, her lower extremity muscles are expected to show an increased proportion of Type I fibers. Which of the following best characterizes Type I skeletal muscle fibers?

A biopsy of normal skeletal muscle reveals a predominance of fibers characterized by a high capillary density, high myoglobin content, numerous mitochondria, and low glycogen stores. Biomechanically, these fibers are best suited for:

In a healthy native knee joint, the coefficient of friction is exceptionally low. Under high loading conditions, such as during the stance phase of gait, what is the primary mechanism of cartilage lubrication that prevents surface-to-surface solid contact?

During the normal human gait cycle, the tibialis anterior muscle fires at different stages to facilitate a smooth walking pattern. What specific type of muscle contraction does the tibialis anterior undergo from initial contact (heel strike) to the loading response phase?

Which type of muscle contraction generates the highest maximum force and is most commonly implicated in indirect muscle strain injuries?

A 32-year-old bodybuilder feels a pop in his anterior axilla while bench pressing. Examination reveals loss of the anterior axillary fold and weakness in internal rotation. MRI confirms a complete rupture of the pectoralis major tendon. Which segment of the muscle is most commonly injured in this mechanism?

A 40-year-old weightlifter presents with a sudden 'pop' and pain in his anterior chest wall while performing a heavy bench press. Examination reveals loss of the anterior axillary fold and weakness in internal rotation. If surgical repair is pursued, to which anatomic footprint should the torn tendon be reattached?

A 55-year-old distance runner presents with intractable lateral hip pain and a Trendelenburg gait. MRI confirms a full-thickness, retracted tear of the gluteus medius tendon without fatty atrophy. During surgical repair, the surgeon must mobilize the tendon to its anatomic footprint. What is the anatomic insertion site of the gluteus medius on the greater trochanter?

A physical therapist is rehabilitating a patient following an Achilles tendon repair. The therapist instructs the patient to slowly lower their heel off the edge of a step. During the lowering phase, the gastrocnemius-soleus complex is generating tension while simultaneously lengthening. What type of muscle contraction is this?

During normal human ambulation, articular cartilage experiences varying loads and velocities. Which lubrication mechanism is most responsible for minimizing friction during high-load, high-velocity phases of the gait cycle?

A patient undergoes testing of isolated muscle properties. Which of the following modes of muscle contraction typically generates the maximum intrinsic force?

A 28-year-old male suffers a stab wound to the right side of his neck at the C6 level, resulting in a Brown-Sequard syndrome. Based on the anatomical pathways of the spinal cord, which of the following physical examination findings is expected?

A 30-year-old weightlifter feels a pop in his anterior chest while performing a heavy bench press. Examination reveals an asymmetric chest wall and weakness in internal rotation. Which portion of the pectoralis major tendon is most commonly ruptured and during which phase of the bench press?