Interventions and Outcomes
What the exam expects
Understand exercise prescription principles (frequency, intensity, time, type, progression), motor learning and neuroplasticity, manual therapy indications, and modality selection based on evidence. Know how to set goals (SMART), measure outcomes, and modify intervention based on response. Recognize contraindications and precautions for interventions and the importance of patient education and self-management.
Traps
Questions test whether you can match intervention to impairment and stage of healing (e.g., protecting tissue early, loading progressively later). A common trap is choosing a passive modality when active intervention is indicated, or overloading tissue before it is ready. Watch for goal statements that are not measurable. Also beware assuming more intensity is always better-dosing must match tissue tolerance and irritability.
Rule of thumb
Match load to tissue irritability: low-irritability presentations tolerate higher load and progression; high-irritability presentations need symptom modulation first.
Worked example
A patient 3 days post acute ankle sprain with significant swelling and pain should begin with protected motion, edema control, and gentle range-not aggressive strengthening-progressing load as irritability subsides.