National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which patient will most likely benefit from repeated lumbar flexion exercises?

1. A patient with recent onset of symptoms with radiculopathy to the left hip

2. A 30-year-old postpartum female

3. A 60-year-old patient with cramping in the legs that diminishes with sitting

4. A 45-year-old patient with radiculopathy in the left heel

The correct answer is: A 60-year-old patient with cramping in the legs that diminishes with sitting

The selected answer points to a 60-year-old patient who experiences cramping in the legs that diminishes with sitting as the one who will most likely benefit from repeated lumbar flexion exercises. This approach is particularly valuable in the context of conditions such as spinal stenosis or disc herniations, which may lead to symptoms that worsen with standing or walking but improve upon sitting. Repeated lumbar flexion exercises can help to reduce pressure on the spinal structures and alleviate nerve root irritation, promoting relief from cramping and discomfort. The rationale behind the effectiveness of lumbar flexion exercises revolves around their ability to decompress neural structures and mitigate symptoms associated with nerve impingement. In this patient's case, flexion movements could facilitate increased space within the spinal canal or foramen, thereby easing the symptoms he experiences in the legs. In contrast, the other scenarios presented may not indicate the same benefit from lumbar flexion exercises. A patient with recent onset of symptoms with radiculopathy to the left hip might require more stabilization or different intervention to address acute issues without exacerbating discomfort. A postpartum female may have different musculoskeletal concerns that warrant a focus on core stability or pelvic floor rehabilitation rather than lumbo-sacral flexion. Meanwhile, a 45-year-old patient