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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Physical therapy trivia questions to test your PT knowledge

Quick, free physiotherapy quiz to check your knowledge-instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Pei Ying LeeUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for physio quiz on teal background featuring trivia, anatomy, and rehab techniques

This quiz helps you check your grasp of physical therapy trivia questions across anatomy, movement, and patient care. Work through short items, see your score right away, and spot what to review next. For more practice, try our physiotherapy quiz, build core knowledge with an anatomy and physiology quiz, or focus on movement patterns in a muscle action quiz.

Which muscle is the primary plantarflexor of the ankle during push-off in normal gait?
Peroneus brevis
Extensor hallucis longus
Gastrocnemius-soleus complex
Tibialis anterior
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The anterior cruciate ligament primarily resists anterior translation of the tibia on the femur.
True
False
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In the acute inflammatory phase after an ankle sprain, cryotherapy is appropriate to modulate pain and limit edema.
False
True
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A positive Trendelenburg sign indicates weakness of which muscle group on the stance limb?
Hip external rotators
Hip adductors
Hip flexors
Hip abductors (gluteus medius/minimus)
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When using a standard cane, it should be held in the hand opposite the involved lower extremity to reduce hip joint forces.
True
False
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A positive Phalen test suggests median nerve compression at the carpal tunnel.
False
True
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Which muscle is the primary scapular upward rotator during shoulder elevation?
Latissimus dorsi
Serratus anterior
Rhomboid major
Pectoralis minor
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Which joint glide would most directly improve shoulder abduction range of motion?
Distraction of the acromioclavicular joint
Anterior glide of the humeral head
Posterior glide of the humeral head
Inferior glide of the humeral head
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Which nerve root is most associated with the patellar tendon reflex?
S2
S1
L4
L5
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The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (6-20) scale correlates approximately with heart rate when multiplied by 10.
True
False
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Which outcome measure is specifically designed to assess disability related to low back pain?
LEFS (Lower Extremity Functional Scale)
SF-12 Health Survey
DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand)
Oswestry Disability Index
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Spasticity is velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone due to hyperexcitable stretch reflexes.
False
True
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In cardiac rehabilitation, which intensity method is most appropriate for a patient on beta-blockers?
Using RPE to guide intensity
Karvonen formula without adjustment
Target METs based on 220-age
Age-predicted HRmax only
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Which gait deviation is most consistent with weak dorsiflexors during swing?
Excessive toe-out in stance
Vaulting on the contralateral limb
Foot drop with high-steppage gait
Antalgic gait with reduced stance time
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Which parameter change most increases ultrasound tissue heating for a given area?
Decreasing intensity from 1.5 W/cm2 to 0.5 W/cm2
Increasing speed of sound head movement
Decreasing frequency from 3 MHz to 1 MHz
Increasing duty cycle from 20% to 100%
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Hyperkalemia on an ECG is typically associated with peaked T waves.
False
True
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Which test best screens for meniscal pathology in the knee when combined with joint line tenderness and locking history?
Apley distraction test
McMurray with valgus stress only
Lachman test
Thessaly test at 20 degrees
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For chronic Achilles tendinopathy, which exercise approach has the strongest evidence?
Continuous ultrasound daily
Heavy slow resistance or eccentric loading
Prolonged immobilization in a cast
Only static stretching of the calf
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A positive vertebral artery test is a sensitive screening tool for vascular compromise in the neck.
False
True
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Electrical stimulation using NMES to strengthen the quadriceps after ACL surgery typically uses which on:off ratio initially?
1:1 for constant activation
1:5 to limit fatigue
1:0 with continuous current
5:1 to promote endurance
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0

Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Fundamental Musculoskeletal Anatomy -

    Identify major bones, muscles, and joints involved in movement to solidify your anatomical foundation for clinical practice.

  2. Differentiate Rehabilitation Techniques -

    Compare and contrast common physio questions on therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and modalities to select appropriate interventions.

  3. Apply Clinical Decision-Making Skills -

    Use critical thinking to choose optimal treatment strategies based on patient presentations and evidence-based principles.

  4. Analyze Patient Care Scenarios -

    Interpret case studies and patient vignettes to improve your ability to manage real-world physical therapy challenges.

  5. Evaluate Knowledge Through Physical Therapy Trivia Questions -

    Assess your proficiency across anatomy, rehabilitation, and patient care by answering targeted questions in this physio quiz.

  6. Identify Personal Knowledge Gaps and Growth Areas -

    Recognize topics that need further study to focus your learning and boost confidence in your physio practice.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Muscle Fiber Types and Functional Roles -

    When tackling physical therapy trivia questions on muscle physiology, recall that Type I fibers resist fatigue for endurance activities, while Type II fibers generate quick power bursts; think "I for Infinity (endurance), II for Intensity." The ACSM highlights how fiber composition guides program design, from marathon training to sprint drills.

  2. Joint Classification and Range of Motion (ROM) Norms -

    Many physio quizzes ask you to differentiate synovial, cartilaginous, and fibrous joints and to know standard goniometric values (e.g., knee flexion ≈135°, shoulder abduction ≈180°). Use a simple checklist: Joint Type → Motion Axes → Normal ROM to answer questions quickly and accurately.

  3. Evidence-Based Practice and Outcome Measures -

    Physical therapy trivia questions often center on the PICO model (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) and validated scales like the Oswestry Disability Index or DASH score. Remember "PICO" as your roadmap for clinical decision-making and for choosing the right questionnaire in research journals.

  4. Exercise Prescription Principles (FITT Framework) -

    Physio questions on rehab programming frequently assess your grasp of FITT - Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type. For example, to increase cardiovascular endurance, you might prescribe 5 days/week at 60 - 70% HRmax for 30 - 45 minutes, as recommended by reputable university curriculums.

  5. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Basics -

    Quiz items on manual therapy often include PNF patterns: D1 and D2 flexion/extension, remembered with the "handshake to ear" mnemonic for D1 flexion. Research from the Kinesiology Journal confirms that PNF enhances both strength and ROM when applied correctly.

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