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DHA Physiotherapist study materials
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DHA Physiotherapist practice questions

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Question 1Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which instrument is used to measure joint range of motion in degrees during a physiotherapy assessment?

  1. Spirometer
  2. Aesthesiometer
  3. Goniometer Correct answer.
  4. Dynamometer

Explanation

A goniometer is the standard clinical tool for measuring joint angles and quantifying range of motion. The other devices assess strength, lung volumes, or sensation rather than joint angle.

Question 2Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

When documenting a joint's range of motion, which value represents the normal starting position described as zero degrees?

  1. Mid-range position
  2. Full flexion
  3. End-range extension
  4. Neutral anatomical position Correct answer.

Explanation

The zero starting position in goniometry is the neutral anatomical position from which movement is measured. Flexion and extension values are recorded relative to this neutral reference.

Question 3Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which muscle strength grade on the Oxford (Medical Research Council) scale indicates active movement through full range against gravity with no added resistance?

  1. Grade 3 Correct answer.
  2. Grade 2
  3. Grade 4
  4. Grade 1

Explanation

Grade 3 denotes movement through the full available range against gravity alone. Grade 4 adds some resistance, while grades 1 and 2 involve trace contraction or gravity-eliminated movement.

Question 4Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

A patient reports pain that radiates from the lumbar spine down the posterior thigh and calf. Which assessment finding would most support a neurodynamic (nerve root) source?

  1. A positive straight leg raise reproducing the symptoms Correct answer.
  2. Localised paraspinal tenderness on palpation
  3. Reduced lumbar flexion with buttock pain only
  4. Pain relieved by prolonged standing

Explanation

A straight leg raise that reproduces the radiating leg symptoms suggests mechanical sensitivity of the lumbosacral nerve roots or sciatic tract. Localised tenderness or axial pain alone is less specific for neural involvement.

Question 5Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

During assessment of a patient with a suspected rotator cuff tear, which finding most strongly suggests a full-thickness supraspinatus tear?

  1. Reduced passive elevation with a capsular end-feel
  2. Pain at end-range external rotation only
  3. Crepitus on active scapular retraction
  4. Marked weakness in resisted abduction with a positive drop arm sign Correct answer.

Explanation

Pronounced weakness in resisted abduction combined with a drop arm sign points toward a significant supraspinatus or cuff tear. Pain-limited findings without marked weakness are more typical of tendinopathy.

Question 6Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which special test is performed to assess for an anterior cruciate ligament deficiency at the knee?

  1. Trendelenburg test
  2. McMurray test
  3. Thomas test
  4. Lachman test Correct answer.

Explanation

The Lachman test assesses anterior tibial translation relative to the femur and is highly sensitive for ACL integrity. The other tests examine meniscal, hip flexor, or hip abductor function.

Question 7Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

A patient's knee is held in 30 degrees of flexion and cannot be passively extended further, with a firm end-feel. Which structure is most likely restricting movement?

  1. Patellar tendon
  2. Posterior joint capsule Correct answer.
  3. Iliotibial band
  4. Quadriceps muscle

Explanation

A fixed flexion deformity with a firm end-feel suggests capsular restriction limiting extension. The posterior capsule is a primary restraint to full knee extension.

Question 8Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

When performing a manual muscle test of the hip abductors in side-lying, which position best isolates gluteus medius?

  1. Hip externally rotated and extended
  2. Hip in neutral extension with slight abduction Correct answer.
  3. Hip internally rotated and adducted
  4. Hip flexed to 90 degrees

Explanation

Testing gluteus medius in side-lying with the hip near neutral and slightly abducted isolates the abductor action. Flexion or rotation alters the line of pull and recruits other muscles.

Question 9Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which assessment scale is used to grade deep tendon reflexes such as the knee jerk?

  1. A 0 to 4+ ordinal scale Correct answer.
  2. A 0 to 10 numeric pain scale
  3. A 1 to 5 muscle grade scale
  4. A 0 to 3 sensation scale

Explanation

Deep tendon reflexes are graded on a 0 to 4+ scale, where 2+ is normal and absent or clonus responses occupy the extremes. Pain, strength, and sensation use different scales.

Question 10Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

A patient demonstrates loss of position sense in the great toe but intact pain sensation. Which sensory pathway is most likely affected?

  1. Sympathetic tract
  2. Spinothalamic tract
  3. Spinocerebellar tract
  4. Dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway Correct answer.

Explanation

Position sense (proprioception) travels in the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway, which also carries fine touch and vibration. Pain and temperature travel in the spinothalamic tract.

Question 11Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which lung volume can be measured with a simple spirometer?

  1. Total lung capacity
  2. Functional residual capacity
  3. Residual volume
  4. Vital capacity Correct answer.

Explanation

Vital capacity is the maximal volume exhaled after a full inspiration and is measurable by spirometry. Residual volume and any capacity that includes it require additional techniques such as body plethysmography.

Question 12Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

During auscultation, a physiotherapist hears coarse, low-pitched sounds clearing after coughing. These are most consistent with which finding?

  1. Wheezes
  2. Stridor
  3. Coarse crackles Correct answer.
  4. Pleural rub

Explanation

Coarse crackles are low-pitched and often clear with coughing, reflecting secretions in larger airways. Wheezes are musical and continuous, rubs are pleural, and stridor is inspiratory and upper-airway.

Question 13Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which outcome measure is a self-report questionnaire specifically assessing a patient's perceived disability from low back pain?

  1. Berg Balance Scale
  2. Barthel Index
  3. Six-minute walk test
  4. Oswestry Disability Index Correct answer.

Explanation

The Oswestry Disability Index is a condition-specific self-report measure of disability related to low back pain. The other tools assess functional independence, balance, or walking endurance.

Question 14Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

A patient with a suspected cerebellar lesion is asked to touch their nose and then the examiner's finger repeatedly. Which finding would indicate dysmetria?

  1. Overshooting the target Correct answer.
  2. Reduced grip strength
  3. Slow but accurate movement
  4. Tremor only at rest

Explanation

Dysmetria is the inability to judge distance, causing overshooting or undershooting during a targeted movement. Rest tremor and weakness reflect other systems.

Question 15Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which finding on the Berg Balance Scale score suggests an increased fall risk in an older adult?

  1. A score of 40 out of 56 Correct answer.
  2. A score of 54 out of 56
  3. A score of 50 out of 56
  4. A score of 56 out of 56

Explanation

Scores below 45 on the Berg Balance Scale are generally associated with increased fall risk. Higher scores near the maximum indicate better balance performance.

Question 16Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which test evaluates the integrity of the median nerve at the wrist?

  1. Phalen test Correct answer.
  2. Finkelstein test
  3. Cozen test
  4. Adson test

Explanation

The Phalen test provokes median nerve compression symptoms in carpal tunnel syndrome. The other tests assess lateral elbow tendinopathy, thumb tendonitis, and thoracic outlet vascular compromise.

Question 17Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

A patient presents with a positive Trendelenburg sign on the left. Which muscle group is most likely weak?

  1. Left hip abductors Correct answer.
  2. Right knee extensors
  3. Left hip flexors
  4. Right hip adductors

Explanation

A positive Trendelenburg sign indicates weakness of the hip abductors on the side of the drop or the stance limb. The pelvis drops on the unsupported side when the abductors fail to stabilise it.

Question 18Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which measure best quantifies a patient's perceived breathlessness during an activity?

  1. Ashworth scale
  2. Visual analogue scale for pain
  3. Glasgow Coma Scale
  4. Borg scale Correct answer.

Explanation

The Borg scale rates perceived exertion and breathlessness during activity. The other scales assess consciousness, pain, or muscle tone.

Question 19Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

During gait assessment, a patient's trunk lurches over the stance limb with each step. Which term describes this deviation?

  1. Ataxic gait
  2. Steppage gait
  3. Antalgic gait
  4. Trendelenburg gait Correct answer.

Explanation

A Trendelenburg gait features excessive lateral trunk lean over the stance limb due to hip abductor weakness. Steppage, ataxic, and antalgic patterns have distinct mechanisms.

Question 20Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which finding on cranial nerve examination indicates a lesion of the facial nerve (CN VII)?

  1. Inability to close one eye and asymmetrical smile Correct answer.
  2. Diplopia on lateral gaze
  3. Absent gag reflex
  4. Loss of smell

Explanation

CN VII supplies the muscles of facial expression, so weakness causes incomplete eye closure and asymmetric smiling. Smell, eye movement, and gag involve other cranial nerves.

Question 21Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which method is most appropriate for measuring true leg length in a clinical assessment?

  1. Measuring from the iliac crest to the heel
  2. Measuring from the anterior superior iliac spine to the medial malleolus Correct answer.
  3. Measuring from the greater trochanter to the lateral malleolus
  4. Measuring from the umbilicus to the medial malleolus

Explanation

True leg length is measured from the anterior superior iliac spine to the medial malleolus, reflecting bony landmarks of the femur and tibia. Other reference points introduce error from soft tissue or pelvic asymmetry.

Question 22Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

A patient reports night pain and unremitting pain that is not related to movement. Which action is most appropriate for the physiotherapist?

  1. Commence aggressive strengthening immediately
  2. Apply heat and continue routine treatment
  3. Refer for medical evaluation of possible serious pathology Correct answer.
  4. Reassure the patient that pain is muscular

Explanation

Night pain and pain unrelated to movement are red flags that warrant medical screening before physiotherapy proceeds. Continuing treatment without ruling out serious pathology risks harm.

Question 23Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which test is used to screen for a posterior cruciate ligament injury at the knee?

  1. Anterior drawer test
  2. Valgus stress test
  3. Posterior drawer test Correct answer.
  4. Patellar apprehension test

Explanation

The posterior drawer test assesses posterior tibial translation and PCL integrity. The anterior drawer assesses the ACL, valgus stress the MCL, and the apprehension test patellar stability.

Question 24Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

In a patient with a complete spinal cord injury, which assessment determines the most caudal intact spinal segment with normal sensory function?

  1. Dermatomal light touch and pinprick testing Correct answer.
  2. Vibration testing of the sternum
  3. Deep tendon reflex grading
  4. Manual muscle testing of the upper limbs

Explanation

The sensory level in spinal cord injury is defined as the most caudal dermatome with intact light touch and pinprick sensation. Motor testing defines the motor level but not the sensory level.

Question 25Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which finding during assessment of a patient with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is most characteristic?

  1. Marked loss of passive external rotation with a capsular end-feel Correct answer.
  2. Full passive range with pain at end-range only
  3. Hypermobility in all shoulder planes
  4. Painless weakness in resisted abduction

Explanation

Adhesive capsulitis classically produces a global loss of passive range, most notably external rotation, with a firm capsular end-feel. Full pain-free passive range or hypermobility contradicts the diagnosis.

Question 26Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

When assessing a patient's active range of motion at the shoulder, which movement is primarily produced by the deltoid and supraspinatus muscles?

  1. Adduction
  2. Extension
  3. Abduction Correct answer.
  4. Internal rotation

Explanation

Shoulder abduction is initiated by the supraspinatus and continued by the deltoid. Adduction is primarily produced by the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi. Internal rotation involves the subscapularis and other muscles, while extension is produced by the latissimus dorsi and teres major.

Question 27Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

During gait analysis, a patient's pelvis drops on the side opposite the stance limb during the stance phase. This finding is most indicative of weakness in which muscle group?

  1. Hip abductors Correct answer.
  2. Hip extensors
  3. Hip flexors
  4. Hip adductors

Explanation

The hip abductors, particularly the gluteus medius, stabilize the pelvis during single-leg stance. Weakness leads to contralateral pelvic drop (Trendelenburg sign). The other muscle groups do not primarily stabilize the pelvis in the frontal plane during gait.

Question 28Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which instrument is most appropriate for measuring a patient's active knee flexion range of motion in a clinical setting?

  1. Inclinometer
  2. Goniometer Correct answer.
  3. Visual estimation
  4. Tape measure

Explanation

A goniometer is the standard tool for measuring joint angles, including knee flexion. Tape measures assess length or circumference, inclinometers are used for spinal or limb segment angles but are less common for knee flexion, and visual estimation is subjective and less reliable.

Question 29Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

A patient reports numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers that worsens at night. Which special test is most appropriate to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome?

  1. Tinel's sign at the elbow
  2. Phalen's test Correct answer.
  3. Cozen's test
  4. Finkelstein's test

Explanation

Phalen's test is a provocative maneuver for carpal tunnel syndrome, reproducing symptoms by flexing the wrists. Tinel's at the elbow assesses the ulnar nerve, Finkelstein's test assesses De Quervain's tenosynovitis, and Cozen's test assesses lateral epicondylitis.

Question 30Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

When assessing a patient's muscle strength using the Oxford scale, which grade indicates active movement against gravity but not against resistance?

  1. Grade 4
  2. Grade 3 Correct answer.
  3. Grade 2
  4. Grade 5

Explanation

The Oxford (Medical Research Council) scale grades muscle strength from 0 to 5. Grade 3 indicates movement against gravity but not against added resistance. Grade 2 is movement with gravity eliminated, grade 4 is movement against gravity and some resistance, and grade 5 is normal strength.

Question 31Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

A patient with low back pain reports symptoms radiating below the knee. Which neurodynamic test is most appropriate to assess for nerve root irritation?

  1. Prone knee bend
  2. Straight leg raise Correct answer.
  3. Slump test
  4. Femoral nerve slump

Explanation

The straight leg raise test is used to assess for lumbosacral nerve root irritation, typically L4-S1. The slump test is a general neurodynamic test but less specific for radiculopathy below the knee. Prone knee bend assesses the femoral nerve (L2-L4), and femoral nerve slump is not a standard test.

Question 32Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

During assessment of a patient with suspected Parkinson's disease, which finding is most characteristic of the disorder?

  1. Chorea
  2. Cogwheel rigidity Correct answer.
  3. Intention tremor
  4. Hyperreflexia

Explanation

Cogwheel rigidity is a classic sign of Parkinson's disease, characterized by ratchet-like resistance to passive movement. Intention tremor is associated with cerebellar lesions, hyperreflexia with upper motor neuron lesions, and chorea with Huntington's disease.

Question 33Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

A patient's blood pressure is 150/90 mmHg at rest. According to general guidelines, this reading is classified as:

  1. Stage 2 hypertension
  2. Elevated
  3. Normal
  4. Stage 1 hypertension Correct answer.

Explanation

A blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg falls into stage 1 hypertension according to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines (systolic 130-139 or diastolic 80-89 is stage 1; systolic 140-159 or diastolic 90-99 is stage 2 in some classifications, but 150/90 is stage 1 in the older JNC 7 classification used in many physiotherapy contexts). However, to avoid ambiguity, the correct classification here is stage 1 hypertension based on JNC 7 (140-159/90-99).

Question 34Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which test is used to assess for a labral tear of the hip?

  1. Thomas test
  2. FADIR test
  3. Ober's test
  4. FABER test Correct answer.

Explanation

The FABER (Flexion, Abduction, External Rotation) test is used to assess for hip labral tears and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The FADIR test is also used for hip impingement but is not as specific for labral tears. The Thomas test assesses hip flexor tightness, and Ober's test assesses iliotibial band tightness.

Question 35Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

When performing a cranial nerve examination, which cranial nerve is assessed by asking the patient to shrug their shoulders against resistance?

  1. Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
  2. Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
  3. Facial nerve (CN VII)
  4. Accessory nerve (CN XI) Correct answer.

Explanation

The accessory nerve (CN XI) innervates the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, which are tested by shoulder shrug and head rotation against resistance. The facial nerve controls facial expression, the hypoglossal nerve controls tongue movement, and the trigeminal nerve controls jaw muscles and facial sensation.

Question 36Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

A patient presents with a positive McMurray test. This finding is most indicative of which condition?

  1. Iliotibial band syndrome
  2. Patellofemoral pain syndrome
  3. Anterior cruciate ligament tear
  4. Meniscal tear Correct answer.

Explanation

The McMurray test is a provocative maneuver for meniscal tears, reproducing pain or clicking with rotation and flexion of the knee. ACL tears are assessed with the Lachman test, patellofemoral pain with grind or compression tests, and ITB syndrome with Ober's test.

Question 37Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which outcome measure is specifically designed to assess balance and mobility in older adults and includes items such as standing on one leg and turning 360 degrees?

  1. Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment
  2. Functional Reach Test
  3. Berg Balance Scale Correct answer.
  4. Timed Up and Go test

Explanation

The Berg Balance Scale consists of 14 items assessing static and dynamic balance, including standing on one leg and turning 360 degrees. The Timed Up and Go is a quick screening test, the Functional Reach Test measures forward reach, and the Tinetti assesses gait and balance but does not include a 360-degree turn item.

Question 38Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

A patient with a suspected rotator cuff tear reports weakness in external rotation. Which muscle is most likely affected?

  1. Teres minor
  2. Infraspinatus Correct answer.
  3. Subscapularis
  4. Supraspinatus

Explanation

The infraspinatus is the primary external rotator of the shoulder. The subscapularis is an internal rotator, the supraspinatus initiates abduction, and the teres minor also assists in external rotation but is less commonly the primary affected muscle in rotator cuff tears.

Question 39Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

During a sensory examination, a patient is unable to detect a light touch on the sole of the foot but can feel a pinprick. This finding suggests a lesion in which pathway?

  1. Spinocerebellar tract
  2. Dorsal column-medial lemniscus Correct answer.
  3. Corticospinal tract
  4. Spinothalamic tract

Explanation

Light touch and proprioception are carried by the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway. The spinothalamic tract carries pain and temperature. The corticospinal tract is motor, and the spinocerebellar tract carries unconscious proprioception.

Question 40Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination

Which test is used to assess for thoracic outlet syndrome?

  1. Tinel's sign at the wrist
  2. Adson's test Correct answer.
  3. Phalen's test
  4. Finkelstein's test

Explanation

Adson's test assesses for thoracic outlet syndrome by compressing the subclavian artery and brachial plexus. Phalen's and Tinel's at the wrist assess carpal tunnel syndrome, and Finkelstein's test assesses De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Question 41Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Which structure is the primary restraint against anterior translation of the tibia on the femur?

  1. Anterior cruciate ligament Correct answer.
  2. Medial collateral ligament
  3. Posterior cruciate ligament
  4. Lateral collateral ligament

Explanation

The anterior cruciate ligament resists anterior tibial translation and limits internal tibial rotation. The posterior cruciate ligament is the main restraint to posterior translation, while the collateral ligaments primarily control varus and valgus stress.

Question 42Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

A patient is unable to actively abduct the shoulder past 90 degrees but has full passive range. Which muscle is most likely weak?

  1. Subscapularis
  2. Teres minor
  3. Deltoid Correct answer.
  4. Supraspinatus

Explanation

Active abduction beyond 90 degrees is largely produced by the deltoid, with the supraspinatus initiating the first 15 degrees. Preserved passive range with loss of active range points to a contractile problem in the prime mover.

Question 43Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

The straight leg raise test is used to assess which structure?

  1. Sciatic nerve roots Correct answer.
  2. Hip joint capsule
  3. Femoral nerve
  4. Sacroiliac joint

Explanation

The straight leg raise tensions the lumbosacral nerve roots and sciatic tract, with pain reproduced between 30 and 70 degrees suggesting neural involvement. Hip and sacroiliac structures are assessed with different provocation tests.

Question 44Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Which finding best supports a diagnosis of lateral epicondylalgia?

  1. Pain on resisted elbow flexion
  2. Pain on resisted shoulder abduction
  3. Pain on resisted wrist extension Correct answer.
  4. Pain on resisted wrist flexion

Explanation

Lateral epicondylalgia involves the common extensor origin, so resisted wrist extension reproduces pain at the lateral epicondyle. Resisted wrist flexion loads the common flexor origin medially.

Question 45Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

A positive Trendelenburg sign on single-leg stance indicates weakness of which muscle group?

  1. Hip abductors Correct answer.
  2. Hip adductors
  3. Hip flexors
  4. Hip extensors

Explanation

The hip abductors, primarily gluteus medius and minimus, stabilize the pelvis in single-leg stance. Weakness causes the contralateral pelvis to drop, producing a positive Trendelenburg sign.

Question 46Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Which condition is characterized by pain over the lateral aspect of the hip with tenderness over the greater trochanter and pain on resisted hip abduction?

  1. Adductor strain
  2. Osteitis pubis
  3. Gluteal tendinopathy Correct answer.
  4. Femoroacetabular impingement

Explanation

Gluteal tendinopathy affects the gluteus medius and minimus tendons at the greater trochanter, producing lateral hip pain and pain on resisted abduction. Adductor and pubic pathology produce medial hip or groin pain.

Question 47Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Which test assesses the integrity of the posterior cruciate ligament?

  1. Lachman test
  2. Valgus stress test
  3. McMurray test
  4. Posterior drawer test Correct answer.

Explanation

The posterior drawer test applies a posterior force to the proximal tibia to assess the posterior cruciate ligament. The Lachman test assesses the anterior cruciate ligament, while McMurray and valgus stress assess the meniscus and medial collateral ligament respectively.

Question 48Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

A patient reports pain over the anterior knee that worsens with prolonged sitting and stair descent, with tenderness on patellar compression. Which diagnosis is most likely?

  1. Patellofemoral pain syndrome Correct answer.
  2. Meniscal tear
  3. Iliotibial band syndrome
  4. Patellar tendinopathy

Explanation

Patellofemoral pain syndrome produces anterior knee pain aggravated by loaded knee flexion activities such as sitting and stairs, with patellar compression tenderness. Patellar tendinopathy localizes to the inferior pole of the patella, while iliotibial band syndrome produces lateral knee pain.

Question 49Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Which muscle is the primary external rotator of the shoulder at the glenohumeral joint?

  1. Subscapularis
  2. Latissimus dorsi
  3. Infraspinatus Correct answer.
  4. Pectoralis major

Explanation

Infraspinatus, along with teres minor, is a primary external rotator of the glenohumeral joint. Subscapularis, pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi are internal rotators.

Question 50Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Which finding suggests a supraspinatus tear rather than subacromial impingement?

  1. Pain on resisted external rotation
  2. Weakness in resisted abduction with positive drop arm test Correct answer.
  3. Painful arc between 60 and 120 degrees
  4. Pain on cross-body adduction

Explanation

A full-thickness supraspinatus tear produces true weakness in abduction and a positive drop arm test, reflecting loss of active control. Impingement typically produces a painful arc with relatively preserved strength.