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 Exam with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes detailed explanations to ensure a thorough understanding. Boost your confidence and readiness for exam day!

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 function of an eccentric contraction during rehabilitation exercises?

To maintain muscle length
To generate force while the muscle lengthens
To shorten the muscle under tension
To produce maximal force with minimal length change

The correct answer is: To generate force while the muscle lengthens

The function of an eccentric contraction during rehabilitation exercises is to generate force while the muscle lengthens. This type of contraction is essential in controlling movements and absorbing shock, which is particularly important during activities that involve deceleration or lowering movements. In rehabilitation, eccentric contractions can help to improve strength, increase flexibility, and enhance overall muscle coordination. By allowing the muscle to generate force while it is lengthening, eccentric contractions stimulate muscle fibers and lead to adaptations that support injury recovery. This is vital for rebuilding strength and functional movements after an injury, as it mirrors many real-life activities where muscles must control movement against gravity or resistance. Eccentric contractions also play a role in muscle damage and subsequent growth, assisting in the remodeling process necessary for rehabilitation. Understanding this principle enables physical therapy professionals to design effective rehabilitation programs that incorporate eccentric exercises tailored to the patient's needs and recovery goals.