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Physiology & Rehabilitation MCQs

Practice Set 26 of 26

This practice set contains high-yield board review questions covering key concepts in Physiology & Rehabilitation. Each clinical scenario is designed to test your diagnostic and management skills relevant to this subspecialty.

Question 501

Topic: Physiology & Rehabilitation

During the stance phase of normal human gait, the 'second rocker' mechanism involves forward translation of the tibia over a plantigrade foot. Which muscle group predominantly controls the rate of this progression via eccentric contraction?

. Anterior compartment musculature
. Posterior calf musculature (Triceps surae)
. Quadriceps femoris
. Hamstrings
. Hip abductors

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Posterior calf musculature (Triceps surae)

Explanation

The ankle rocker (second rocker) occurs during mid-stance as the tibia advances over the fixed foot. The triceps surae (gastrocnemius and soleus) contract eccentrically to control this forward tibial progression and prevent collapse.

Question 502

Topic: Physiology & Rehabilitation

A 45-year-old patient has a 4 cm true limb length discrepancy secondary to a remote femur fracture. What is the most common kinematic compensation observed in the shorter limb during the stance phase of gait?

. Excessive knee flexion
. Ankle plantarflexion (equinus)
. Excessive hip abduction
. Pelvic drop on the shorter side
. Circumduction

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Ankle plantarflexion (equinus)

Explanation

To functionally lengthen a short limb, patients commonly walk with the ankle in an equinus position (plantarflexion) during stance. Conversely, they compensate on the longer limb by increasing hip and knee flexion during stance and swing phases.

Question 503

Topic: Physiology & Rehabilitation

Normal gait requires adequate knee flexion during the swing phase to ensure foot clearance. What is the maximum degree of knee flexion typically achieved during the normal human gait cycle?

. 30-35 degrees
. 45-50 degrees
. 60-65 degrees
. 80-85 degrees
. 95-100 degrees

Correct Answer & Explanation

. 60-65 degrees

Explanation

During the swing phase of normal gait, the knee flexes to a maximum of approximately 60 to 65 degrees. This peak flexion occurs during initial swing and is crucial for toe clearance.

Question 504

Topic: Physiology & Rehabilitation

During the initial swing phase of normal gait, which muscle group serves as the primary accelerator to advance the lower extremity forward?

. Gluteus maximus
. Hip flexors (iliopsoas)
. Hamstrings
. Quadriceps
. Ankle plantarflexors

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Hip flexors (iliopsoas)

Explanation

The hip flexors (primarily the iliopsoas) contract concentrically during the initial swing phase to accelerate the leg forward. This action is critical for advancing the limb and achieving foot clearance.

Question 505

Topic: Physiology & Rehabilitation

A 45-year-old stroke patient exhibits a stiff-knee gait characterized by severely reduced knee flexion during the swing phase. Overactivity of which of the following muscles is the most common primary contributor to this specific gait abnormality?

. Hamstrings
. Rectus femoris
. Gastrocnemius
. Gluteus medius
. Anterior tibialis

Correct Answer & Explanation

. Rectus femoris

Explanation

Stiff-knee gait in stroke and cerebral palsy patients is predominantly caused by spasticity or prolonged firing of the rectus femoris during the pre-swing and initial swing phases. This overactivity restricts the passive knee flexion required for foot clearance.

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