AHPC Licensure Examination — Physiotherapy

Sample Physiotherapy practice questions

Try these 12 questions from different topics. Open "Show answer" to check yourself and read the explanation.

1. Question 1 · Movement & Functional Assessment

   What should a physiotherapy baseline assessment include before intervention?

   1. A.Only the diagnostic label
   2. B.Relevant impairments, activity limitations, participation goals and contextual factors
   3. C.Only the therapist’s preferred exercise
   4. D.No measure that can be repeated
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Relevant impairments, activity limitations, participation goals and contextual factors

   A functional baseline connects body function with activities, participation and the person’s environment.

2. Question 2 · Safety & Clinical Reasoning

   A postoperative patient develops new unilateral calf swelling, warmth and pain. What is the safest physiotherapy response?

   1. A.Massage the calf vigorously
   2. B.Continue maximal exercise
   3. C.Stop routine exercise and arrange urgent medical assessment for possible thrombosis
   4. D.Ignore the change because surgery is complete
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Stop routine exercise and arrange urgent medical assessment for possible thrombosis

   Possible deep-vein thrombosis requires prompt medical assessment because mobilization or massage may be unsafe.

3. Question 3 · Rehabilitation Planning

   Which goal is most suitable for evaluating functional progress?

   1. A.The patient will improve someday
   2. B.The therapist will provide good care
   3. C.The diagnosis will disappear immediately
   4. D.The patient will walk 50 metres with the prescribed aid and supervision within two weeks
   Show answer

   Answer: D. The patient will walk 50 metres with the prescribed aid and supervision within two weeks

   A specific, measurable and time-linked functional goal supports treatment planning and review.

4. Question 4 · Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Kinesiology

   The rotator cuff muscle most commonly torn, which initiates shoulder abduction, is the:

   1. A.Supraspinatus
   2. B.Subscapularis, which internally rotates the humerus at the shoulder
   3. C.Teres major
   4. D.Deltoid
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Supraspinatus

   Supraspinatus initiates abduction; infraspinatus and teres minor rotate externally.

5. Question 5 · Neuroanatomy & Neurological Conditions

   Signs of an upper motor neurone lesion include:

   1. A.Flaccid weakness with muscle wasting and fasciculations
   2. B.Absent reflexes
   3. C.Fasciculations only
   4. D.Spasticity, brisk reflexes and an extensor plantar response
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Spasticity, brisk reflexes and an extensor plantar response

   LMN lesions cause flaccidity, wasting, reduced reflexes and fasciculations.

6. Question 6 · Exercise Physiology

   Age-predicted maximum heart rate is commonly estimated as:

   1. A.180 minus the person's age in years, for every adult
   2. B.220 minus age
   3. C.100 plus age
   4. D.200 plus half the age
   Show answer

   Answer: B. 220 minus age

   It guides exercise intensity, though individual values vary.

7. Question 7 · Disability, ICF & Rehabilitation Principles

   In the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), difficulty walking to the market is classified as:

   1. A.An impairment of body structure in the hip joint
   2. B.A participation restriction only
   3. C.An activity limitation
   4. D.A personal factor
   Show answer

   Answer: C. An activity limitation

   ICF covers body functions/structures (impairments), activities (limitations), participation (restrictions) and contextual factors.

8. Question 8 · Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

   The ligament most commonly injured in an inversion ankle sprain is the:

   1. A.Deltoid ligament on the medial side of the ankle
   2. B.Posterior cruciate ligament
   3. C.Calcaneocuboid ligament
   4. D.Anterior talofibular ligament
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Anterior talofibular ligament

   Inversion with plantarflexion stresses the ATFL.

9. Question 9 · Neurological Physiotherapy

   To protect a flaccid hemiplegic shoulder after stroke, staff should:

   1. A.Lift the patient by pulling under the weak arm to save effort
   2. B.Leave the arm hanging unsupported
   3. C.Apply heavy weights to stretch it
   4. D.Support the arm and never pull on it
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Support the arm and never pull on it

   Subluxation and shoulder pain are common after stroke.

10. Question 10 · Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy

    The active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT) includes breathing control, thoracic expansion exercises and:

    1. A.Rapid shallow breathing to clear the airways quickly
    2. B.Breath-holding for one minute
    3. C.The forced expiration technique (huffing)
    4. D.Coughing continuously
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The forced expiration technique (huffing)

    ACBT is used for airway clearance in bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis.

11. Question 11 · Electrotherapy & Physical Agents

    Conventional (high-frequency) TENS relieves pain mainly through:

    1. A.Release of endorphins by strong, low-frequency muscle twitches
    2. B.The pain gate mechanism, stimulating large-diameter sensory fibres
    3. C.Heating deep tissues
    4. D.Killing nerve cells
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The pain gate mechanism, stimulating large-diameter sensory fibres

    Low-frequency "acupuncture-like" TENS is thought to work via endorphins.

12. Question 12 · Orthopaedic & Post-surgical Rehabilitation

    After a posterior-approach total hip replacement, patients are usually advised to avoid:

    1. A.Walking with a frame in the first week after surgery
    2. B.Ankle exercises
    3. C.Deep flexion, adduction and internal rotation
    4. D.Deep breathing
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Deep flexion, adduction and internal rotation

    These movements risk dislocation in the early weeks.