Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Physical Therapy Assistant Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the required amount of ankle plantar flexion for level surface gait?

10 degrees
20 degrees
30 degrees
40 degrees

The correct answer is: 20 degrees

The correct choice for the required amount of ankle plantar flexion for level surface gait is 20 degrees. This degree of plantar flexion is necessary to allow for proper propulsion during the toe-off phase of walking. When the heel lifts from the ground, the ankle must move into a plantar flexed position to facilitate an effective push-off and maintain forward momentum. This movement plays a crucial role in ensuring that the body continues to progress efficiently during ambulation. Insufficient plantar flexion can lead to altered gait mechanics, which can place additional stress on other joints and may result in compensatory movement patterns, potentially leading to injury or discomfort. Thus, understanding the importance of this specific range of motion in maintaining efficient and effective walking patterns is essential for physical therapy practice.