Question 1

The physiological effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can be attributed to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been shown to activate photosensitive enzymes in the mitochondria, leading to enhanced ATP production and cell metabolism. This photochemical process facilitates the processing of molecular substrates and aids in tissue repair and regeneration. Thermal effects, activation of photosensitive neurons, and vasodilation are also possible mechanisms of action, but they are less established in the literature.

Question 2

At thermal intensities, therapeutic effects of diathermy include

Accepted Answer

Diathermy at thermal intensities can promote increased collagen elasticity in soft-tissue contractures, which can improve range of motion and reduce pain. It does not affect bony healing, decrease adipose tissue, or alleviate third-trimester pregnancy back pain.

Question 3

Which of the following is true about electromagnetic energy?

Accepted Answer

Electromagnetic energy, also known as electromagnetic radiation, can travel through a vacuum, such as the vacuum of space, without the need for a transport medium. This is because it consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space. Option A is incorrect because electromagnetic energy has no mass. Option B is incorrect because heat transfer via conduction requires a medium for heat to flow through, whereas electromagnetic energy does not. Option D is incorrect because electromagnetic energy can be absorbed by the body or other materials without direct contact.

Question 4

Which of the following answers includes only contraindications and precautions for diathermy?

Accepted Answer

Contraindications for diathermy include not using the treatment over cancerous tissue or hemorrhagic areas as heat can promote cancer growth and exacerbate bleeding. Precautions include not using the treatment over areas where metal implants are present, such as pacemakers, and avoiding use over the testicles. Hemophilia is also a precaution, as diathermy can exacerbate bleeding in this population.

Option A includes muscle spasm, which is not necessarily a contraindication or precaution for diathermy. Option C includes pregnancy, which is a precaution for some modalities but not specifically for diathermy. Option D includes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and mechanical joint pain, which are not contraindications or precautions for diathermy.

Question 5

Which is true regarding the physical properties of laser light?

Accepted Answer

Laser light is monochromatic, meaning it has a single frequency/wavelength, and coherent, meaning its waves are in phase with each other. This is because laser light is created by stimulated emission, not spontaneous emission. Laser light also does not scatter like an overhead lamp. The medium through which it travels can affect its absorption and transmission, but not its color.

Question 6

Which of the following should not be treated with LLLT?

Accepted Answer

LLLT should not be used on open growth plates of bones as it may disrupt the natural growth and development processes.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the results of research studies on the effects of diathermy on pain?

Accepted Answer

Research studies have shown that both thermal and nonthermal diathermy can lead to a reduction in pain.

Question 8

Your patient has lumbar spine pain. She has heard about LLLT and asks you if it will help relieve her pain. The most appropriate response to her question would be

Accepted Answer

It is important to provide accurate and evidence-based advice to patients. Currently, there is not enough high-quality evidence to support the use of LLLT for treating low back pain. Therefore, option A, B, and D are not appropriate answers as they imply a level of efficacy that is not backed by current research. Option C is the best choice as it provides the patient with the most accurate information.

Question 9

Which is true regarding pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD)?

Accepted Answer

Mild heat sensation occurs when the mean power of PSWD exceeds 38 watts, indicating that this level of power can produce a noticeable thermal effect.

Question 10

What is the primary difference between lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs)?

Accepted Answer

The primary difference between lasers and LEDs is that laser light is coherent and directional, while light emitted by LEDs has limited coherence and directionality. Laser light is also usually monochromatic (one color), whereas LED light can emit multiple colors. LED light is not produced by radio waves emitted by supra-luminous diodes, and both lasers and LEDs can produce heat in biological tissues.

Question 11

Which of the following electromagnetic waves travel through space at the speed of light?

Accepted Answer

All electromagnetic waves, including ultraviolet waves, radio waves, and infrared waves, travel through space at the speed of light.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the results of research studies on the effects of diathermy on tissue flexibility?

Accepted Answer

Research studies have shown that diathermy can increase tissue flexibility both with and without stretching.

Question 13

You have decided to use LLLT for treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Which of the following lasers is the best choice for absorption of light energy in the tissues attached to the lateral epicondyle at a depth of 2 to 3 millimeters from the skin?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You have decided to use LLLT for...

Question 14

Which of the following modalities would be the best choice to heat the posterior hip joint capsule prior to joint mobilization?

Accepted Answer

Continuous shortwave diathermy (CSWD) is the most effective modality for deep heating of the joint capsule due to its ability to penetrate deep tissues, while the other modalities mentioned may not provide sufficient depth of heating.

Question 15

Why must all external metallic objects be removed in the vicinity of diathermy treatments?

Accepted Answer

Metals conduct electricity and heat up faster than human tissues when exposed to electromagnetic fields used in diathermy treatments. This can lead to burns if metallic objects are not removed from the treatment area.

Question 16

Your patient has a medical history of impaired sensation in her lower extremities. If you chose laser for treatment of a condition in her lower extremities, which of the following laser therapy treatments must be performed with caution?

Accepted Answer

High-intensity lasers and superluminescent light-emitting diode (SLED) arrays must be used with caution in patients with impaired sensation in their lower extremities due to the risk of unintentional burns or damage, as the patient may not feel the heat or pain that signals excessive exposure.

Question 17

Which of the following correctly describes the inductive method of diathermy?

Accepted Answer

Inductive method of diathermy involves creating electromagnetic eddy currents in conductive tissues. This is achieved by generating an electromagnetic field around the treatment area using a coil or electrode. The eddy currents produced in the conductive tissues generate heat, which is used for therapeutic purposes.

Question 18

Dosage for LLLT should be documented as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Dosage for LLLT should be documented as joules per square centimeter or point as it indicates the amount of energy delivered to the tissue. Watts per square centimeter or point only indicates the power output of the device, photons per centimeter or point are not a unit of dosage, and milliamps per centimeter or point only indicates the current flowing through the tissue.

Question 19

Your patient has a chronic flexion contracture of the left knee. Which of the following dosages would be most appropriate if you chose to apply diathermy prior to stretching the knee?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Your patient has a chronic flexion contracture...

Question 20

Thermal effects of diathermy are believed to be caused by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Thermal effects of diathermy are primarily caused by the accelerated motion of ions, dipoles, and/or electron clouds. This motion generates heat within the tissue, leading to thermal effects such as vasodilation and increased metabolic rate.

Quiz 6: Electromagnetic Modalities: Laser, Diathermy, and Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields