Therapeutic Exercise Concepts

Question 1

What is the stress-strain curve?

Answer 1

Graphic representation that depicts the relationship between the amount of force (stress) applied to connective tissue and the amount of deformation (strain) is experienced.

Question 2

Describe the 3 regions of the stress-strain curve.

Answer 2

Toe region = initial stress the causes the collagen to become straight and align with one another

Elastic region = added stress to the tissue results in greater deformation. Once the stress is removed the tissue returns to its resting length.

Plastic region = addition of more stress results in permanent deformation even after the stress force is no longer applied due to failure of bonds between the collagen fibers.

Question 3

What is the failure point relative to the stress-strain curve?

Answer 3

Refers to the point where the added stress exceeds the physiological limit of the collagen, resulting in the tearing of the collagen fibers

Question 4

What type of stretching is more effective in increasing tissue extensibility? Why?

Answer 4

Static stretching because it does not activate the muscle spindles, and thus there is less resistance to stretch. (Dynamic/Ballistic stretching activates the muscle spindles leading to greater resistance to stretch)

Question 5

How long should a static stretch be held (minimum) for changes in ROM to occur?

Answer 5

30 seconds

Question 6

Describe an isometric contraction.

Answer 6

Muscular force is generated without a change in muscle length.

Question 7

Describe an isotonic contraction.

Answer 7

Muscle contraction is generated with the muscle exerting a constant tension.

Concentric = muscle shortening 
Eccentric = muscle lengthening

Question 8

Describe a isokinetic contraction.

Answer 8

Muscle contraction is generated with constant maximal speed and variable load

Question 9

What is the difference between intensity, volume and frequency relative to resistance training?

Answer 9

Intensity = amount of weight being used 
Volume = amount of work being done 
Frequency = number of times per week the resistance exercises are being performed

Question 10

What is the difference between open chain versus closed chain activites?

Answer 10

Open chain = Distal segment of limb moving freely in space

Closed chain = movement of the body on a fixed distal segment

Question 11

Describe the DeLorme exercise program.

Answer 11

First set = 10 repetitions x 50% of 10 rep max
Second set = 10 repetitions x 75% of 10 rep max
Third set = 10 repetitions x 100% of 10 rep max

Question 12

Describe the Oxford Technique exercise program.

Answer 12

First set = 10 repetitions x 100% of 10 rep max
Second set = 10 repetitions x 75% of 10 rep max
Third set = 10 repetitions x 50% of 10 rep max

Question 13

Explain the overload principle.

Answer 13

In order for a muscle to adapt and become stronger, the load that is placed on it must be greater than what it is normally accustomed to.

Question 14

Explain the SAID Principle.

Answer 14

Specific Adaptation of Imposed Demands

The body will adapt according to the specific type of training that is utilized. Type of exercise should specifically mirror the desired goal.

Question 15

Explain the transfer of training principle.

Answer 15

There can be carryover from task or exercise to another. (i.e. strength training can also cause an increase in muscular endurance)

Question 16

Explain the reversibility principle.

Answer 16

The adaptations seen with resistance training are reversible if the body is not regularly challenged with the same level of resistance or greater.

Question 17

Explain the length tension relationship.

Answer 17

The ability of a muscle to produce force depends on the length of the muscle.

A muscle can usually produce maximal force at its normal resting length.

Question 18

Describe the force velocity relationship.

Answer 18

The speed of muscle contraction affects the force that the muscle can produce.

concentric - as speed of contraction increases, the force of the contraction decreases

Eccentric - as speed of contraction increases, the force of the contraction also increases

Question 19

What is delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)?

Answer 19

Post exercise soreness that results from microtrauma to the muscle and connective tissue

Characterized by tenderness to palpation in the muscle belly/muscle-tendon junction, soreness with passive stretching or active contraction, and decreased ROM/strength.

Question 20

List 3 facilitated stretching techniques.

Answer 20

Hold relax
Hold-relax-active contraction
Contract-relax- active contraction

Question 21

Describe the hold relax stretching technique.

Answer 21

A relaxation technique usually performed at the point of limited ROM in the agonist pattern

Isometric contraction of the range limiting antagonist is performed against slowly increasing resistance, followed by voluntary relaxation and passive movement by the therapist into the newly gained range of the agonist pattern

Question 22

Describe the hold relax-active contraction stretching technique.

Answer 22

Following hold-relax technique, active contraction into the newly gained range of the agonist pattern is performed.

Question 23

Describe the contract relax-active contraction stretching technique.

Answer 23

A relaxation technique usually performed at the point of limited ROM in the agonist pattern

Isotonic movement in rotation is performed followed by an isometric hold of the range limiting muscles in the antagonist pattern against slowly increasing resistance, voluntary contraction and active movement into the new range of the agonist pattern.

Question 24

True or False: The percentage of fast twitch and slow twitch can be changed via normal exercise.

Answer 24

FALSE

The percentage of fast twitch or slow twitch fibers is determined by genetics

Question 25

How long does it take for muscle hypertrophy to occur?

Answer 25

6-8 weeks

Question 26

What is disuse atrophy?

Answer 26

When a muscles loses both size and strength from lack of use or immobilization

Question 27

What is a common error associated with strength or resistance training?

Answer 27

Valsalva’s maneuver

Forced exhalation with the glottis, nose and mouth closed while contraction is being held.

Question 28

List 4 effects of the Valsalva’s maneuver.

Answer 28

Increase intrathoracic pressure
Decrease HR
Decrease return of blood to the heart
Increase venous pressure and cardiac work

Question 29

How much rest is needed to return the muscle to 90-95% of pre-exercise capacity?

Answer 29

3-4 minutes

Question 30

How long should an isometric contraction be held to obtain changes in the muscles?

Answer 30

6 seconds

Question 31

What is the formula to estimate maximum heart rate?

Answer 31

220-age

Question 32

What is the purpose of Karvonen’s formula? What is the formula?

Answer 32

Used to predict heart rate reserve

THR = (HR max - RHR) x % of desired training intensity + RHR

Question 33

What outcome tool can be used to measure rate of perceived exertion?

Answer 33

Borg scale (6-20)

Question 34

Obese individuals should exercise at ____ durations and ____ intensities. Why?

Answer 34

Longer durations and shorter intensities

Why?: Obesity increases the mechanical work of the heart and can lead to cardiac and left ventricular dysfunction.

Question 35

What is the typical volume of air breathed every minute (minute ventilation Ve)?

Answer 35

6 liters

Question 36

How long should warm up and cool down periods last?

Answer 36

5-15 minutes