National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

A patient who gave birth 2 weeks ago with a vaginal delivery is referred for a strengthening program. Which muscle is least likely to require strengthening intervention?

1. Hip flexors

2. Trunk flexors

3. Hip extensors

4. Pelvic floor muscles

The correct answer is: Hip flexors

After giving birth, a woman's body undergoes various changes, and different muscle groups may require different levels of attention during rehabilitation. While the hip flexors play a significant role in mobility and stabilization, they are generally not as significantly weakened during the postpartum period when compared to the pelvic floor muscles, trunk flexors, and hip extensors. The pelvic floor muscles are directly involved in childbirth and can often experience trauma, stretching, or weakening, making strengthening interventions crucial for recovery. Similarly, trunk flexors may also need attention due to the demands placed on the abdominal region during pregnancy and the delivery process, while hip extensors can become less engaged due to changes in posture and abdominal strength. In contrast, the hip flexors, while important, typically do not require as intensive strengthening following vaginal delivery because they are often maintained through everyday activities such as walking and moving around, especially as the patient begins to return to normal daily routines. Therefore, focusing on strengthening the pelvic floor, trunk flexors, and hip extensors is generally prioritized, making the hip flexors the least likely candidate for immediate strengthening intervention after a vaginal delivery.