What type of change in performance is necessary for the physical therapist to consider that motor learning has genuinely occurred?

After sustaining a right proximal humerus fracture, Mrs. Sanchez underwent an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). She demonstrates decreased range of motion in all shoulder planes of movement. She is right-handed. During her initial evaluation, she states her goal is to be able to brush her hair with her right hand because her husband “does a terrible job.” What shoulder motions are the most appropriate to focus on to achieve Mrs. Sanchez’s goal? 

During the evaluation, you determine Mrs. Sanchez is able to actively flex her right shoulder 96 degrees while demonstrating significant shoulder hiking, passive right shoulder flexion is 132 degrees. She has minimal pain. The surgeon has not placed any restrictions on her rehabilitation program. What type of ROM exercises should be the primary focus to address her flexion deficit initially?

While balance training with Gladys, you focus on improving her ability to use an ankle motor strategy to maintain balance. In standing, you perform gentle perturbations (pushes) on her anterior shoulders, pushing Gladys backward. Which muscle groups would be primarily activated in this maneuver to maintain balance? 

Physical therapists should choose to issue either a patient reported outcome measure or a physical performance outcome measure, but never both, as they may result in conflicting information.

Which sports massage stroke is characterized by the therapist applying an alternating squeeze and lift motion on the person’s soft tissue?

Given his lack of significant cardiovascular risks, it is safe for this patient to start cardiovascular training at an RPE of 7-9/10 for 20 minutes per day, 4 days per week.

When performing passive range of motion with gentle stretching at end range, it is important only to perform techniques within the anatomic cardinal planes of motion.

Match the functional deficit with the most appropriate primary therapeutic exercise intervention focus.

Aaron sustained a left anterior shoulder dislocation 8 days ago. He demonstrates muscle guarding through the left upper quarter. Ballistic stretching would be an appropriate intervention to improve left shoulder range of motion at this time.