Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What facilitation technique begins with voluntary relaxation followed by passive movement through increments in range?

1. Reciprocal inhibition

2. Successive induction

3. Rhythmic initiation

4. Irradiation

The correct answer is: Rhythmic initiation

The correct answer is rhythmic initiation, a facilitation technique used in physical therapy to promote functional movement, particularly in patients with limited range of motion or with neurological impairments. This technique starts with the patient in a state of voluntary relaxation, which helps to reduce muscle tone and allows for easier movement. Following the initial relaxation, the therapist then performs passive movements to guide the patient through increments of range. This gentle approach helps to establish a rhythm and promotes awareness of the motion being performed. As the patient becomes more comfortable and receptive during this process, they can begin to participate actively, assisting in the movement as their abilities improve. This method is particularly effective for facilitating coordination and learning new patterns of movement. In contrast, the other techniques listed serve different purposes. Reciprocal inhibition involves the relaxation of one muscle group to allow the contraction of its antagonist. Successive induction refers to a principle where a stronger muscle contraction can lead to the relaxation of a muscle in the same or opposite group over time, and irradiation refers to the spread of muscular activation from stronger to weaker muscle groups. Each of these techniques has distinct applications and mechanisms, making rhythmic initiation a focused approach for encouraging movement through relaxation and passive mobilization.