Body Systems and Functions
What the exam expects
You need working knowledge of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, integumentary, and endocrine systems as they relate to movement and function. Focus on structure-function relationships: muscle fiber types and adaptation, joint arthrokinematics, neural pathways (upper vs lower motor neuron signs), gas exchange and exercise physiology (VO2, anaerobic threshold), and wound healing phases. Understand how systemic disease manifests in functional limitation-e.g., diabetic neuropathy affecting balance, heart failure limiting endurance.
Traps
Questions frequently test differentiating upper motor neuron (hyperreflexia, spasticity, Babinski) from lower motor neuron (flaccidity, atrophy, fasciculations) findings. Another trap is confusing cardiopulmonary response to exercise (normal vs abnormal blood pressure/heart rate/oxygen saturation trends). Be careful with medication effects (beta-blockers blunting heart rate; corticosteroids affecting bone and muscle). Don't assume a single system explains a multi-system presentation.
Rule of thumb
For exercise testing, an abnormal response includes a drop in systolic BP with increasing workload, inadequate heart rate rise, or oxygen desaturation-flag these as safety concerns.
Worked example
A patient on a beta-blocker reaches only 90 bpm at peak effort. Because beta-blockade blunts chronotropy, do not interpret low peak heart rate alone as poor effort; use perceived exertion, workload, and gas exchange where available.