Study Outline
Cardiovascular/Pulmonary & Lymphatic Systems
Physical Therapy Examination
Cardiovascular System
Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
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Cardiac Anatomy (valves, chambers, great vessels, etc.)
Topology
Pacemakers (biological and artificial)
Normal Heart Enzymes
Heart rate controls (nervous and endocrine)
Cardiac output and related topics (RPP, HR, SV, preload, afterload, etc.)
Common surgical interventions (brief review)
Cardiovascular Tests and Measures
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Heart auscultation
Cardiac output (normal/abnormal)
Abnormal cardiac enzymes/lab values
Stress tests (exercise/chemical)
Electrocardiogram
o Normal values
o Heart blocks
o Fibrillation (atrial/ventricular)
o Other common arrhythmias
o Electrode placement
Angiogram, carotid ultrasound, fluoroscopy, PET scans, MRI, Swan-Ganz, cardiac
catheterization, echocardiogram, etc.)
Signs and symptoms of cardiac distress
MET values
Peripheral pulses (anatomical location and normal/abnormal ratios)
Pulmonary System
Anatomy and Physiology of the Pulmonary System
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Lung anatomy and topology
Physiology of gas exchange
Respiratory rates and patterns
Normal blood-gas values
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Auscultation (normal)
Pulmonary Tests and Measures
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CT scan, chest x-ray
Abnormal blood-gas values (acidosis/alkalosis)
FEV₁, FEV, IRV, TV, ERV, RV, VC, TLC, FEV1/FVC, etc.
Auscultation (abnormal sounds)
Signs and symptoms of pulmonary distress
Movement Analysis as Related to the Pulmonary System
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Diaphragmatic breathing
Rib cage excursion (normal motion patterns for females/males)
Muscular activity during abnormal/normal breathing
Positional effects on pulmonary perfusion and ease of breathing
Lymphatic System
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Lymphatic anatomy and function
Lymphatic Tests and Measures
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Girth measurements
Lymphoscinitigram
Across the Lifespan
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Common cardiac changes due to aging
Common lung changes due to aging
Common lymphatic changes due to aging
Common childhood conditions of the heart and lungs
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis
Cardiovascular System
Cardiovascular Diseases/Conditions: Definition and Prognosis
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Angina
Birth defects
Congestive heart failure
Coronary Artery Disease
Heart valve disorders
Cardiomyopathy
Arrhythmias
Peripheral Artery Disease
Claudication
Myocardial infarction
Deep vein thrombosis
Differential Diagnosis of the Cardiovascular System
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Key Distinguishing Characteristics of each illness
Nonpharmacological Medical Management
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Cardiac rehab
o Stages of rehabilitation
o Key goals of each stage
Surgical interventions for each illness
Pharmacological Management
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Cardiac pharmacology
o Classes, drugs, effects, side effects, effect on physical therapy interventions
Pulmonary System
Pulmonary Diseases/Conditions: Definition and Prognosis
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Asthma
COPD
Emphysema
Cystic Fibrosis
Bronchitis (acute/chronic)
Pneumonia
Pulmonary Edema
Tuberculosis
Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pneumothorax
Pleural effusion
Obstructive pulmonary disease
Restrictive Pulmonary disease
Differential Diagnosis of the Pulmonary System
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Key distinguishing characteristic of each illness
Nonpharmacological Medical Management
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Pulmonary drainage positions
Breathing exercises/coaching
Positional relief of dyspnea
Common surgical procedures
Pharmacological Management
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Pulmonary pharmacology
o Classes, drugs, effects, side effects, effect on physical therapy interventions
Lymphatic System
Lymphatic Diseases/Conditions: Definition and Prognosis
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Lymphedema
Lymphoma
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Lymphocytosis
Differential Diagnosis of the Lymphatic System
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Key distinguishing characteristic of each illness
Nonpharmacological Medical Management
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Lymphatic drainage massage
Wrapping techniques/pressure garments
Interventions
Cardiovascular System
Cardiovascular Interventions: Types, Applications, Responses, and Potential
Complications
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Cardiac rehab
o Phases
o Types of exercise
o System monitoring (including Borg RPE)
o Complications
o Progression
Impact of Other Interventions
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Effects and side effects of therapeutic exercise on the cardiovascular system
(normal/abnormal)
Exercise physiology of the heart and vascular system
Pulmonary System
Pulmonary Interventions: Types, Applications, Responses, and Potential Complications
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Pulmonary drainage
Breathing/dyspnea interventions
Manual intervention
Impact of Other Interventions
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Exercise physiology of the pulmonary system
Lymphatic System
Lymphatic Interventions: Types, Applications, Responses, and Potential Complications
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Lymphatic drainage massage
Wrapping techniques
Impact of Other Interventions
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Effects and side effects of therapeutic exercise on the lymphatic system
(normal/abnormal)
Exercise physiology of the lymphatic system
Musculoskeletal System
Physical Therapy Examination
Musculoskeletal System
Anatomy and Physiology of the Musculoskeletal System
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Muscle anatomy, histology, and function
Tendon anatomy, histology, and function
Ligament anatomy, histology, and function
Muscle origins, insertions, actions, and innervations
o All major joints and muscle groups
o Force couples around major joints
o Passive/Active Insufficiency—definition and examples
Musculoskeletal Tests and Measures
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Observation
Posture analysis
Range of motion norms
Strength measurement (MMT)
Flexibility measurements
Special tests
o List, define, and understand the special tests for each major joint and spine
o Understand the key points required for analysis of special tests (clusters, sensitivity,
specificity, etc.)
Normal gait pattern
o Muscle activity during gait
o Joint motion during gait
o Terminology
Leg length discrepancy
Spinal curvature and pelvic girdle norms
Spine coupling patterns
Osteokinematic motions
Joint mobility testing
Movement Analysis
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Force couple patterns
Observational gait analysis
o Key points for normal gait
Roll and glide
Joint Biomechanics and Applications
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Osteokinematic motions
Joint types, histology
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Force couple patterns
Muscle lever types
Closed/Open kinetic chain (definition, application, purpose)
Physical Therapy Ultrasound Imaging
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Definition, purpose, application, scope of practice
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis
Musculoskeletal System
Musculoskeletal Diseases/Conditions: Definition and Prognosis
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Diseases, conditions, and injuries of:
o Head and face
o Cervical spine
o Temporomandibular joint
o Shoulder
o Elbow
o Forearm, wrist, and hand
o Thoracic spine
o Lumbar spine
o Pelvis
o Hip
o Knee
o Lower leg, ankle, and foot
Abnormal gait patterns
Amputees
o Important considerations
o Devices
o Gait abnormalities
Differential Diagnosis of the Musculoskeletal System
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Key distinguishing features of common injuries/illnesses related to the aforementioned
joints
Differential Diagnosis of the Connective Tissue
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Connective tissue definition/histology and examples
Injuries/Diseases
o Tendonitis/tendonosis
o Ligament tears/sprains/strains
o Other diseases/congenital issues related to connective tissue
Nonpharmacological Medical Management
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Diagnostic imaging, lab tests, common surgical procedures
Pharmacological Management
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Musculoskeletal pharmacology
o Classes, drugs, effects, side effects, effect on physical therapy interventions
Interventions
Musculoskeletal System
Musculoskeletal Interventions: Types, Applications, Responses, and Potential
Complications
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Exercise physiology as pertaining to the musculoskeletal system
o Common and uncommon effects
o Fatigue, soreness, injury
o Ideal results
Types of interventions
o Therapeutic exercise
o Gait training
o Manual techniques
Motor learning
o Theories
o Interventions
Potential complications
Effect on other systems
o Psychological, cardiovascular, nervous, etc.
Health promotion and performance
Impact of Other Interventions
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Effect of other physical therapy interventions on the musculoskeletal system
Neuromuscular & Nervous System
Physical Therapy Examination
Neuromuscular and Nervous System
Anatomy and Physiology of the Neuromuscular & Nervous System
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Nervous system anatomy
o CNS, PNS, ANS, SNS
o Brain anatomy and function
o Vascular supply of brain and spinal cord
o Neuromuscular anatomy
o Neurotransmitter definition/function
o Spinal cord anatomy
o Brachial, lumbar, sacral plexus
o Sensory and motor pathways and decussations
o Cranial nerve function
o Reflexes
 DTR
 Infant
o Motor control/learning
 PNF, Rood, etc.
 Feedback, practice, techniques, etc.
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Terminology
Neuromuscular & Nervous Tests and Measures
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Cranial nerve testing
Motor/sensory patterns of dermatomes and myotomes
Rancho Los Amigos Levels of Cognitive Functioning
Developmental milestones
Reflexes (normal/abnormal)
o DTR
o Infant
Balance assessment
Aphasia
Spinal cord nerve roots
Peripheral nerve patterns
Brunnstrom stages
FIM, Tinetti, other standardized measures
Movement Analysis
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Gait analysis as related to the neuromuscular and nervous system
Balance assessment tools, tests, and measures
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis
Neuromuscular and Nervous System
Neuromuscular & Nervous Diseases/Conditions: Definition and Prognosis
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CNS injuries and diseases
o CVA, TIA
o Cerebral palsy
o Cerebellar disorders
o Spinal cord injuries and diseases
o Poliomyelitis
o Cerebral palsy
o Cranial nerve injuries
PNS injuries and diseases
o Nerve lesions
o AIDP
o ALS
o Guillain-Barre
o Musculoskeletal related injuries
 Compartment syndrome, spinal stenosis, entrapment
 Crush injuries, axonotmesis
Differential Diagnosis of the Neuromuscular & Nervous System
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Key distinguishing characteristics of each illness
Nonpharmacological Medical Management
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Diagnostic imaging, lab values, common surgical interventions
Pharmacological Management
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Neuromuscular and nervous system pharmacology
o Classes, drugs, effects, side effects, effect on physical therapy interventions
Interventions
Neuromuscular and Nervous System
Neuromuscular and Nervous Interventions: Types, Applications, Responses, and
Potential Complications
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Motor learning techniques and interventions
o Practice, feedback techniques
PNF, NDT, Rood, etc.
Balance interventions
Autonomic dysreflexia and orthostatic hypotension
Brunnstrom
Spinal cord levels of function
CVA intervention strategies
Impact of Other Interventions
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Effect of other physical therapy interventions on the neuromuscular system
Motor Control
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Definition, application, theories
Motor Learning
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Definition, application, theories
Integumentary System
Physical Therapy Examination
Integumentary System
Anatomy and Physiology of the Integumentary System
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Tissue histology, anatomy, and physiology
Dermal layers
Integumentary Tests and Measures
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Burns
Ulcerations
Wound documentation essentials
Movement Analysis
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Contracture risks
Scar characteristics as related to mobility and movement
Friction, shear, pressure
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis
Integumentary System
Integumentary Diseases/Conditions: Definition and Prognosis
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Burns
o Degree
o Measurement
o Location considerations
Ulcerations
o Type
o Location considerations
Wounds
Differential Diagnosis of the Integumentary System
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Key distinguishing characteristics of each conditions
Nonpharmacological Medical Management
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Lab tests, diagnostic imaging, common surgical procedures
Pharmacological Management
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Integumentary system pharmacology
o Classes, drugs, effects, side effects, effect on physical therapy interventions
Interventions
Integumentary System
Integumentary Interventions: Types, Applications, Responses, and Potential
Complications
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Dressings
Debridement
Prevention
Impact of Other Interventions
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Shear, friction, pressure, etc.
Metabolic & Endocrine Systems
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis
Metabolic & Endocrine Systems
Metabolic & Endocrine Diseases/Conditions: Definition and Prognosis
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Major endocrine glands
o Hormones produced
o Disorders
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o Effect on physical therapy
Metabolic system definition/components
o Normal function
o Vitamins
o Nutrition
o Obesity
o Pathology (metabolic acidosis, osteoporosis, etc.)
Differential Diagnosis of the Metabolic & Endocrine System
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Key distinguishing characteristics of each disorder
Nonpharmacological Medical Management
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Imaging, lab values, and common surgical interventions
Pharmacological Management
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Metabolic and Endocrine system pharmacology
o Classes, drugs, effects, side effects, effect on physical therapy interventions
Interventions
Metabolic & Endocrine Systems
Metabolic & Endocrine Interventions: Types, Applications, Responses, and Potential
Complications
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Physical therapy interventions for the above-mentioned disorders
Impact of Other Interventions
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Effect of other interventions (pharmacological and nonpharmacological management) on
physical therapy interventions
Gastrointestinal System
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis
Gastrointestinal System
Gastrointestinal Diseases/Conditions: Definition and Prognosis
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Major structures and functions of the GI system
Disorders of the GI system
Differential Diagnosis of the Gastrointestinal System
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Key distinguishing features of each diagnosis
Abdominal quadrant differential diagnosis
Referred pain from GI system
Nonpharmacological Medical Management
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Imaging, lab values, and common surgical interventions
Pharmacological Management
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Gastrointestinal system pharmacology
o Classes, drugs, effects, side effects, effect on physical therapy interventions
Interventions
Gastrointestinal System
Gastrointestinal Interventions: Types, Applications, Responses, and Potential
Complications
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Physical therapy interventions of the GI system
o Positioning
Impact of Other Interventions
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Effect of other interventions (pharmacological and nonpharmacological management) on
physical therapy interventions
Genitourinary System
Physical Therapy Examination
Genitourinary System
Anatomy and Physiology of the Genitourinary System
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Key anatomy and function of major organs
Muscular control
CNS, ANS, PNS input to genitourinary system
Genitourinary Tests and Measures
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MMT
Tests related to incontinence
Physiological Response of the Genitourinary System to Tests and Measures
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Effect of tests and measures on the genitourinary system
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis
Genitourinary System
Genitourinary Diseases/Conditions: Definition and Prognosis
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Disorders, injuries, and conditions affecting each major structure
Changes related to aging
Differential Diagnosis of the Genitourinary System
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Key distinguishing characteristics of each disorder
Nonpharmacological Medical Management
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Imaging, lab values, and common surgical interventions
Pharmacological Management
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Genitourinary system pharmacology
o Classes, drugs, effects, side effects, effect on physical therapy interventions
Interventions
Genitourinary System
Genitourinary Interventions: Types, Applications, Responses, and Potential
Complications
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Bladder Programs
Biofeedback
Pelvic floor retraining
Environmental factors
Impact of Other Interventions
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Effect of physical therapy or other interventions to treat other systems on the genitourinary
system
System Interactions
Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis
Multisystem Disorders
Multisystem Diseases/Conditions: Definition and Prognosis
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Spinal cord injuries, pregnancy, scar contractures, Parkinson ’s disease, etc.
Differential Diagnosis of Multisystem Disorders
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Key distinguishing characteristics of each condition
Impact of Comorbidities on Patient Management
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Diabetes and hypertension
Obesity and arthritis
Hip fracture and dementia
Fall risk and urinary incontinence
Gait training and spinal cord injury
Parkinsonism and gait training
Etc.
Psychological/Psychiatric Conditions that Impact Patient Management
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Schizophrenia
Depression
Obsessive compulsive
Rancho Los Amigos Cognitive Functioning
Etc.
Nonpharmacological Medical Management
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Imaging, medical tests, surgical intervention
Pharmacological Management
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Multi-system pharmacology
o Classes, drugs, effects, side effects, effect on physical therapy interventions
Equipment and Devices
Assistive and Adaptive Devices
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Crutches (and variations)
Walkers (and variations)
Adaptive driving devices
Utensils, clothing
Other devices
Prosthetic Devices
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Above knee amputation
Below knee amputation
Foot structure and design
Protective, Supportive, and Orthotic Devices
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FO, AFO, KAFO, HKAFO + RGO
Foot orthotics for varying foot conditions (rear foot valgus, pes planus, etc.)
Therapeutic Modalities (Definition, dosage,
application, indications, contraindications,
complications)
Thermal Modalities
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Moist Heat Pack
Hydrotherapy
Fluidotherapy
Etc.
Iontophoresis
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Iontophoresis
o Drugs used, polarity, purpose, decision-making
o Duration, dosage
Electrotherapy Modalities
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TENS
IFC
Premod
NMES
Etc.
Phonophoresis
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Phonophoresis
o Drugs used, purpose, decision-making
o Duration, dosage
Ultrasound Modalities
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Therapeutic ultrasound
o Type, size, dosage
o Indications, contraindications
o Evidence-based effectiveness
Mechanical Modalities
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Traction
Mechanical motion devices
Biofeedback
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Types
Sensitivity adjustments
Electromagnetic Radiation
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Short wave diathermy
Pneumatic Compression Modalities
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Intermittent pneumatic compression devices and application
Safety and Protection
Safety and Injury Prevention
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Ergonomics
Posture awareness
Medical Equipment
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Lines, tubes, medical equipment, catheters, monitoring equipment
Other medical devices encountered in intensive care units
Emergency Preparedness
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CPR
First aid
Disaster preparedness
“The patient goes down…” scenarios
Infection Control
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Types of infection precautions
Isolation techniques
Sterile techniques
Abuse Recognition
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Signs and symptoms of:
o Sexual abuse
o Physical abuse
o Psychological abuse
Appropriate action plan
Professional Responsibilities
Documentation
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Legal requirements
Defensible documentation requirements
Patient Rights
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HIPPA
ADA
IDEA
Etc.
Human Resource Legal Issues
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OSHA
Sexual harassment
Role of Pt Assistants
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Definition and scope of practice
Physical Therapist responsibilities
Roles of other Professionals and Staff
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Definition and scope of practice of other professionals
Physical Therapist responsibilities
Reimbursement Practices
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Insurance types and issues
Health care management designs
Research & Evidence-Based Practice
Research Design and Interpretation
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Qualitative
Quantitative
Hierarchy of evidence
Study design models
Measurement Science
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Reliability
Validity
Statistics
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T-test
Chi-square
Correlation coefficient
ANOVA
Likelihood ratios
Sensitivity/specificity
Etc.
Data Collection Techniques
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Surveys
Direct observation
Randomization
Convenience samples
Etc.
Miscellaneous
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History-taking
Systems Review
ICF model
Teaching and Learning
Emergency Assessment
Cancer: Signs and Symptoms
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Red flags