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A 65-year-old patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with difficulty breathing and reduced lung capacity. During the physical examination, the clinician assesses the movement of the thorax during respiration, particularly focusing on the “bucket handle” movement of the ribs. What is the primary role of the “bucket handle” movement of the thorax during respiration?

In standing, which muscle when activated will anteriorly tilt the pelvis and increase the lumbar lordosis through its reverse action?

You are designing an exercise program aimed at enhancing spine core muscle strength while minimizing stress on the intervertebral disc and facet joints. Which position or exercise is likely to maximize activation of the deep core muscles while minimizing intervertebral disc compression and facet joint stress?

A 50-year-old patient presents with persistent pain and clicking in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during chewing and speaking. The clinician is evaluating the static stability of the TMJ as part of the assessment. Which of the following anatomical structures primarily contribute to the static stability of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?

A physical therapist is assessing the breathing patterns of a patient with a complete C3 spinal cord injury. What breathing pattern is the physical therapist most likely to observe in a patient with a complete C3 spinal cord injury?

A patient presents with anterior patellofemoral pain following a patellar dislocation sustained during a soccer game. Upon examination, an excessive lateral position of the patella is noted in full knee extension. Based on the observation of an excessive lateral patellar position in full extension, what hypothesis can be made?

A 30-year-old rock climber presents with significant pain and loss of function in the fingers after a fall. Imaging studies suggest a partial tear of the A2 pulley associated with a flexor tendon injury. During the assessment, the clinician evaluates the impact of this injury on the biomechanical function of the finger flexors. How does an injury to the A2 pulley specifically affect the biomechanics of the flexor tendons and grip strength?

A patient presents with bilateral genu recurvatum and associated external rotation of the tibia. Considering the mitered hinge mechanism of the foot and ankle, which of the following motions are likely to occur at the foot and ankle?

A 60-year-old patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis presents significant weakness of the intrinsic muscles of the hand. During the evaluation, the clinician notes that the patient’s hand is in an “intrinsic minus” position. What are the primary characteristics of the “intrinsic minus” position of the hand, and what underlying mechanisms contribute to this posture?

A 40-year-old athlete presents with lower back pain and hip discomfort after increasing their training intensity. During the physical examination, the clinician assesses the relationship between hip and pelvic motions in bilateral standing. How do the motions of the hip and pelvis interact during standing functional movements?