Physiotherapy in Women’s Health – MCQs

1. Which hormone primarily regulates the menstrual cycle?
(A) Insulin
(B) Estrogen
(C) Cortisol
(D) Thyroxine

2. Which physiotherapy exercise is recommended for urinary incontinence?
(A) Squats
(B) Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises
(C) Push-ups
(D) Jumping jacks

3. During pregnancy, which postural change is commonly observed?
(A) Reduced lumbar lordosis
(B) Increased lumbar lordosis
(C) Flat back posture
(D) Scoliosis

4. Which trimester is generally safest to start antenatal exercises?
(A) First trimester
(B) Second trimester
(C) Third trimester
(D) Postpartum only

5. Diastasis recti refers to separation of:
(A) Pelvic floor muscles
(B) Rectus abdominis muscles
(C) Transverse abdominis muscles
(D) Oblique muscles

6. Which modality is contraindicated during pregnancy?
(A) Heat packs on the back
(B) Ultrasound over the abdomen
(C) Hydrotherapy
(D) TENS during labor

7. Which hormone increases ligament laxity during pregnancy?
(A) Relaxin
(B) Progesterone
(C) Cortisol
(D) Testosterone

8. Which breathing exercise is commonly taught during labor?
(A) Pursed-lip breathing
(B) Shallow chest breathing
(C) Lamaze breathing
(D) Diaphragmatic inhibition

9. The most common cause of low back pain in pregnancy is:
(A) Osteoporosis
(B) Increased lumbar lordosis and ligament laxity
(C) Herniated disc
(D) Muscle tear

10. Which exercise is contraindicated in the late stages of pregnancy?
(A) Supine exercises
(B) Pelvic tilts
(C) Cat-camel stretch
(D) Side-lying clams

11. What is the recommended duration of moderate-intensity exercise for pregnant women?
(A) 30 minutes daily
(B) 10 minutes once a week
(C) 1 hour daily
(D) No exercise recommended

12. Which physiotherapy method helps relieve labor pain?
(A) Hot packs over abdomen
(B) TENS over lower back
(C) Continuous ultrasound
(D) Iontophoresis

13. Postpartum physiotherapy focuses primarily on:
(A) Reducing bone density
(B) Restoring pelvic floor and abdominal strength
(C) Avoiding movement
(D) Only aerobic exercise

14. Which test is used to assess diastasis recti postpartum?
(A) Finger-width test
(B) McMurray’s test
(C) Lachman’s test
(D) Berg balance test

15. Which exercise is most beneficial after cesarean section?
(A) Heavy resistance training
(B) Gentle pelvic floor contractions
(C) Deep sit-ups
(D) Jumping

16. Incontinence after childbirth is usually due to:
(A) Weak pelvic floor muscles
(B) Weak hamstrings
(C) Weak quadriceps
(D) Weak calf muscles

17. Which of the following is a contraindication for antenatal exercises?
(A) Gestational hypertension
(B) Controlled diabetes
(C) Mild fatigue
(D) Minor ankle swelling

18. Physiotherapy management of menopause-related osteoporosis includes:
(A) Bed rest
(B) Weight-bearing and resistance training
(C) Avoiding activity
(D) Only massage therapy

19. What is the main benefit of prenatal yoga?
(A) Increases blood pressure
(B) Improves flexibility, relaxation, and breathing control
(C) Reduces oxygen intake
(D) Prevents all labor pain

20. Which condition is characterized by involuntary leakage of urine during activities like coughing or sneezing?
(A) Urge incontinence
(B) Stress incontinence
(C) Overflow incontinence
(D) Functional incontinence

21. Which exercise is best for strengthening the transverse abdominis in women?
(A) Abdominal bracing
(B) Crunches
(C) Jumping squats
(D) Leg press

22. Which physiotherapy technique is effective for mastitis?
(A) Ultrasound therapy
(B) Ice packs only
(C) Electrical stimulation
(D) Cryotherapy

23. Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy is best relieved by:
(A) Supine rest
(B) Pelvic support belts and stability exercises
(C) High-impact exercises
(D) Long bed rest

24. Which of the following exercises is safe postpartum?
(A) Gentle walking
(B) Heavy deadlifts
(C) Sprinting
(D) Long-distance running immediately

25. The “talk test” is used to measure:
(A) Cognitive ability
(B) Exercise intensity during pregnancy
(C) Memory recall
(D) Blood sugar

26. Which of the following is a contraindication for postpartum exercise?
(A) Cesarean delivery within 6 weeks
(B) Vaginal delivery after 2 weeks
(C) Walking after 4 weeks
(D) Pelvic floor training after 1 week

27. Which pelvic floor training device provides feedback?
(A) Biofeedback
(B) Ultrasound probe
(C) Cryotherapy device
(D) Iontophoresis

28. Which hormone plays a role in lactation?
(A) Estrogen
(B) Prolactin
(C) Cortisol
(D) Testosterone

29. The physiotherapist’s role in prenatal care includes:
(A) Pain relief, posture correction, exercise prescription
(B) Surgical intervention
(C) Drug therapy
(D) Nutritional supplementation only

30. Which of the following is a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse?
(A) Multiple vaginal deliveries
(B) High protein intake
(C) Swimming
(D) Stretching

31. Which of the following exercises is contraindicated in pelvic organ prolapse?
(A) Heavy lifting
(B) Pelvic floor training
(C) Low-intensity walking
(D) Yoga

32. Which position is safest for exercising in late pregnancy?
(A) Supine lying
(B) Side-lying
(C) Prone lying
(D) Deep squats

33. What is the recommended maximum heart rate during pregnancy exercise?
(A) 220 bpm
(B) 200 bpm
(C) 140 bpm
(D) 100 bpm

34. Which exercise helps reduce lymphedema after mastectomy?
(A) Gentle upper limb ROM and lymphatic drainage
(B) Heavy weightlifting
(C) Push-ups
(D) Pull-ups

35. Which modality helps in pain management during labor?
(A) TENS
(B) Ultrasound
(C) Shockwave therapy
(D) Cryotherapy

36. Which exercise is best to strengthen pelvic floor during pregnancy?
(A) Kegel exercises
(B) Squat jumps
(C) Sit-ups
(D) Plank hold

37. Which exercise is safe for women with gestational diabetes?
(A) Walking and moderate aerobic exercise
(B) High-intensity sprinting
(C) Heavy resistance training
(D) Plyometric jumping

38. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to antenatal physiotherapy?
(A) Placenta previa
(B) Mild fatigue
(C) Controlled blood pressure
(D) Leg cramps

39. Which exercise strengthens back muscles in pregnancy?
(A) Cat-camel stretch
(B) Sit-ups
(C) Deep squats
(D) Jumping jacks

40. What is the main physiotherapy role after hysterectomy?
(A) Pelvic floor strengthening and mobility exercises
(B) Weightlifting
(C) Running training
(D) High-impact aerobics

41. Which exercise reduces edema during pregnancy?
(A) Ankle pumping and elevation
(B) Jumping
(C) Sit-ups
(D) Sprinting

42. Which of the following is a benefit of prenatal exercise?
(A) Increases risk of gestational diabetes
(B) Improves posture, reduces back pain, enhances circulation
(C) Causes preterm labor
(D) Decreases energy levels

43. Which test is used to evaluate pelvic floor strength?
(A) Oxford grading system
(B) Lachman’s test
(C) Romberg’s test
(D) McMurray’s test

44. Which physiotherapy method is helpful in postpartum depression?
(A) Aerobic exercise and relaxation therapy
(B) Immobilization
(C) Deep heat therapy
(D) Bed rest

45. What is the safe duration for postpartum exercise initiation after uncomplicated vaginal delivery?
(A) 1–2 weeks
(B) 6 months
(C) 3 months
(D) No exercise recommended

46. Which therapy helps in managing hot flashes during menopause?
(A) Aerobic exercise and relaxation
(B) Ultrasound therapy
(C) Shockwave therapy
(D) Cryotherapy

47. Which of the following is a common musculoskeletal complaint during pregnancy?
(A) Shoulder instability
(B) Low back and pelvic girdle pain
(C) Plantar fasciitis
(D) Wrist dislocation

48. Which exercise improves circulation in pregnant women?
(A) Walking
(B) High-intensity running
(C) Weightlifting
(D) Plyometric jumps

49. Which exercise should be avoided in pregnancy after the first trimester?
(A) Supine exercises
(B) Side-lying hip abduction
(C) Gentle stretching
(D) Breathing exercises

50. The primary goal of women’s health physiotherapy is:
(A) Improve posture, pelvic floor strength, and overall quality of life
(B) Replace surgical treatment
(C) Replace medications
(D) Restrict activity completely