Electrotherapy (IFC and TENS)
Which electrotherapy modality is portable, convenient, and suitable for home use?
TENS.
What does NMES cause in innervated muscles?
Muscle contractions.
What device measures a client's SpO₂?
A pulse oximeter.
What does EMG biofeedback measure?
Electrical signals from muscles.
What type of rehabilitation training focuses on meaningful, functional activities?
Task-oriented training (TOT).
What theory explains how TENS can block pain signals through stimulation of large Aβ fibres?
Gate Theory.
What waveform is commonly used for NMES?
Pulsed biphasic waveform.
What does FiO₂ stand for?
Fraction of inspired oxygen.
What does the threshold setting represent in EMG biofeedback?
The target level of myoelectrical activity set by the clinician.
What is task analysis?
Breaking a functional activity into phases to identify what prevents the client from completing the task successfully.
What is one difference between TENS and IFC
TENS is portable and convenient for home use, while IFC may provide deeper penetration and greater comfort.
What is the typical NMES pulse frequency used to produce smooth muscle contractions while minimizing fatigue?
30–80 pulses per second (pps).
Name two breathing techniques used in rehabilitation.
Any two of the following: incentive spirometry, diaphragmatic breathing, segmental breathing, huffing, or pursed-lip breathing.
What is the difference between a cue and feedback?
A cue prompts or guides movement before or during execution, while feedback provides information about the performance or outcome of the movement.
What is the difference between blocked practice and variable practice?
Blocked practice involves repeating the same task under similar conditions, while variable practice involves changing conditions, such as practising sit-to-stand from different chairs.
What TENS parameters are typically used to stimulate endorphin release for chronic pain
Low frequency (less than 10 pps), long pulse duration (150–300 µs), and higher intensity that may produce a comfortable muscle twitch.
Why is active exercise combined with NMES?
To enhance muscle performance and encourage the client to actively contract the muscle during stimulation.
Name three situations in which ICU treatment should be discontinued according to the study guide.
SpO₂ drops by more than 3%.
Increasing dyspnea does not resolve.
Respiratory rate exceeds 40 breaths per minute.
SpO₂ remains consistently below the prescribed range.
SpO₂ fails to improves
Confusion or lethargy occurs.
What is the difference between facilitation and inhibition in EMG biofeedback?
Facilitation aims to increase muscle activity, while inhibition aims to decrease muscle activity.
What is the difference between whole-task practice and part-task practice?
Whole-task practice involves practising the entire movement sequence, while part-task practice focuses on one specific phase of the movement.
What is accommodation, and how can it be prevented?
Accommodation occurs when nerves become less responsive to continuous stimulation. Modulation changes stimulation parameters periodically to help prevent it.
Name four contraindications to NMES.
Any four of the following: cardiac pacemakers, pregnancy involving the low back or abdomen, malignancy, active DVT, active bleeding, infected tissues, recently radiated tissues, impaired sensation, cognitive impairment preventing feedback, active epiphysis, skin diseases, or impaired circulation.
What should a PTA monitor during mobilization when a client is receiving oxygen therapy?
SpO₂, signs of hypoxemia, and oxygen tubing to ensure it is not disrupted.
What do gain and volume control on an EMG biofeedback device?
Gain determines the device's sensitivity to electrical activity, while volume controls the loudness of auditory feedback.
What is the just-right challenge in rehabilitation?
Matching the task difficulty to the client's abilities so that the client experiences some errors and problem-solving while still having enough success to remain motivated.