I am having my masters of physiotherapy entrance exam please guide me for the same
Asking for Preferences
Searching the Web
MPT masters physiotherapy entrance exam India 2026 syllabus pattern
Reading File
Here is a thorough guide for your MPT entrance exam preparation:
MPT Entrance Exam - Complete Preparation Guide
Major Exams to Know
| Exam | Conducting Body | Mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS MPT | AIIMS New Delhi | Online CBT | Very competitive, 100 MCQs |
| NIMHANS MPT | NIMHANS Bengaluru | Online | Neurology focus |
| JIPMER MPT | JIPMER Puducherry | Online | Government institute |
| IPU CET | Guru Gobind Singh IP University | Online | Delhi NCR colleges |
| MAHE / Manipal | Manipal University | Online | Private premier |
| State CET | Respective states (MH, KA, TN, etc.) | Varies | State-specific |
Exam Pattern (General Structure)
- Total Questions: 100-150 MCQs (most exams)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Marking: +1 for correct, -0.25 or -0.33 for wrong (check each exam)
- Medium: English only
- Type: Single best answer MCQs
Syllabus Breakdown (5 Core Sections)
Section A - Exercise Therapy, Biomechanics & Kinesiology (~20%)
- Principles of therapeutic exercise (strengthening, stretching, endurance)
- Types of muscle contraction (isometric, isotonic, isokinetic)
- Gait analysis - normal and pathological
- Biomechanics of major joints (shoulder, knee, spine, hip)
- Kinesiology - levers, torque, force couples
- Posture and postural deviations
- Proprioception, coordination, and balance
Section B - Electrotherapy & Modalities (~20%)
- TENS, IFT, NMES, FES
- Ultrasound (therapeutic) - modes, dosage, effects
- Shortwave diathermy, microwave diathermy
- LASER therapy - types, wavelength, biostimulation
- Traction - cervical and lumbar (types, parameters)
- Hydrotherapy and cryotherapy
- Biofeedback and EMG
- UV radiation, IR radiation
Section C - Musculoskeletal & Orthopaedic Physiotherapy (~20%)
- Assessment techniques - special tests (Lachman, McMurray, Spurling, FABER, etc.)
- Fractures, dislocations, and post-surgical rehab
- Sports injuries - sprains, strains, tendinopathies
- Shoulder impingement, rotator cuff pathology
- Cervical and lumbar spondylosis
- Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis management
- Manual therapy - Maitland, Cyriax, Mulligan concepts
- Orthotic and prosthetic principles
Section D - Neurological Physiotherapy (~20%)
- Stroke rehab - Brunnstrom stages, NDT/Bobath concept
- Spinal cord injury - ASIA grading, level-wise deficits
- TBI and traumatic brain injury management
- Parkinson's disease physiotherapy
- Multiple sclerosis management
- Peripheral nerve injuries - Sunderland/Seddon classification
- Cerebral palsy - classification, GMFCS
- Vestibular rehabilitation (Epley maneuver, Cawthorne-Cooksey)
Section E - Cardiopulmonary & Medical Physiotherapy (~20%)
- Breathing exercises - diaphragmatic, pursed lip, segmental
- Airway clearance techniques (postural drainage, percussion, ACBT, IPPB)
- COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis management
- Post-cardiac surgery rehab
- Cardiac rehab phases (Phase I-IV)
- ICU physiotherapy
- Lymphedema management
- Obstetric and gynaecological physiotherapy
High-Yield Topics (Most Frequently Asked)
- Muscle grades (Oxford scale, MRC grading)
- Dermatomes and myotomes - C5 to S2 map
- Special orthopaedic tests - at least 50+ tests with their pathology
- Stroke rehabilitation - Bobath, Brunnstrom, PNF patterns
- Ultrasound parameters - frequency, duty cycle, ERA, BNR
- ASIA impairment scale - A through E
- Gait deviations and causes
- Normal gait cycle - phases, muscle activity
- Manual muscle testing - grading criteria
- Electrotherapy parameters - current types, physiological effects
- Joint mobilisation grades - Maitland grades I-IV
- Pulmonary function tests - FVC, FEV1, PEFR, TLC
- Cardiac rehab METs - activity levels per phase
- Cerebral palsy types and physiotherapy approaches
- Research methodology basics - study types, statistics
Recommended Books
Core References
| Subject | Book | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Therapy | Exercise Therapy | Carolyn Kisner & Lynn Colby |
| Electrotherapy | Electrotherapy Explained | Low & Reed |
| Musculoskeletal | Orthopaedic Physical Assessment | Magee |
| Neurology | Neurological Rehabilitation | Umphred |
| Cardiopulmonary | Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy | Hillegass |
| Biomechanics | Clinical Kinesiology | Levangie & Norkin |
| Assessment | Assessment in Physiotherapy | Petty & Moore |
MCQ-specific Books
- MPT Entrance Guide - Arun Kumar (widely used in India)
- Physiotherapy Question Bank - various publishers (Jaypee, CBS)
- Previous year question papers (AIIMS, JIPMER, IPU)
3-Month Study Plan
Month 1 - Foundation Building
- Week 1-2: Anatomy revision (MSK focus), Exercise Therapy basics
- Week 3: Kinesiology and Biomechanics
- Week 4: Electrotherapy modalities and parameters
Month 2 - Clinical Specialties
- Week 5-6: Orthopaedics and Sports Physiotherapy, special tests
- Week 7: Neurological Physiotherapy (stroke, SCI, CP)
- Week 8: Cardiopulmonary + Medical Physiotherapy
Month 3 - Revision and Practice
- Week 9-10: Full syllabus rapid revision, flashcards
- Week 11: Previous year question papers (timed practice)
- Week 12: Mock tests, weak area targeting, exam strategy
Daily Study Strategy
- Morning (2 hrs): Theory - one topic in depth
- Afternoon (1.5 hrs): MCQ practice on that topic (minimum 50 questions)
- Evening (1 hr): Revision of previous day + new notes review
- Target: 100+ MCQs daily in the final 6 weeks
Exam Day Tips
- Attempt easy questions first, mark difficult ones for review
- Avoid guessing if negative marking is >0.33 per wrong answer
- Special tests and electrotherapy parameters are frequent traps - read options carefully
- For biomechanics questions, visualize joint mechanics before answering
- Manage time: aim to finish in 80% of allotted time, use the rest for review
Free Online Resources
- YouTube: Physiopedia, Physiotutors, Dr. Bhavin Vyas (MPT prep)
- Physiopedia.com - free evidence-based physiotherapy content
- Previous year papers: available on Telegram groups (search "MPT entrance")
- Anki decks: search "physiotherapy" on AnkiWeb for free flashcard decks
What to Prioritize if You Have Limited Time
If your exam is within 4-6 weeks, focus on:
- All special orthopaedic tests (very high yield)
- Nerve root levels (dermatomes/myotomes)
- Electrotherapy parameters and contraindications
- Stroke rehab stages (Brunnstrom 1-6)
- ASIA grading for SCI
- Gait cycle and deviations
- Ultrasound dosage parameters
- Cardiac rehab phases and METs
Let me know if you want me to go deep on any specific topic (e.g., a full set of practice MCQs, detailed notes on special tests, electrotherapy parameters, or a specific exam like AIIMS/JIPMER), and I'll build that out for you right away.
) Anatomy / Biomechanics Major muscles: origin, insertion, action Nerve root values (brachial + lumbosacral plexus) Joint ROM values Scapulohumeral rhythm Closed pack/ loose pack positions
Finding Sources
Searching the Web
scapulohumeral rhythm ratio closed pack loose pack positions joints physiotherapy
Finding Sources
Finding Sources
Finding Sources
Finding Sources
Reading File
Good data from the library. Now I have enough to compile a complete, exam-focused reference. Let me put this all together.
Anatomy & Biomechanics - Complete MPT Exam Notes
1. MAJOR MUSCLES: Origin, Insertion, Action
Shoulder Girdle & Rotator Cuff
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Action | Nerve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supraspinatus | Supraspinous fossa | Greater tubercle (superior facet) | Abduction (0-15°), stabilizes GHJ | Suprascapular (C5,C6) |
| Infraspinatus | Infraspinous fossa | Greater tubercle (middle facet) | External rotation, stabilizes | Suprascapular (C5,C6) |
| Teres Minor | Lateral border scapula | Greater tubercle (inferior facet) | External rotation | Axillary (C5,C6) |
| Subscapularis | Subscapular fossa | Lesser tubercle | Internal rotation, adduction | Upper + Lower subscapular (C5,C6) |
| Deltoid (ant/mid/post) | Clavicle, acromion, scapular spine | Deltoid tuberosity | Abduction (mid), Flex (ant), Ext (post) | Axillary (C5,C6) |
| Trapezius | Occiput, nuchal lig, C7-T12 spines | Clavicle, acromion, scapular spine | Upward rotation, retraction, elevation | Spinal accessory (CN XI) + C3,C4 |
| Serratus Anterior | Ribs 1-9 (lateral) | Medial border scapula (costal) | Protraction, upward rotation | Long thoracic (C5,C6,C7) |
| Rhomboids | C7-T5 spinous processes | Medial border scapula | Retraction, downward rotation | Dorsal scapular (C4,C5) |
| Pectoralis Major | Clavicle, sternum, ribs 1-6 | Bicipital groove (lateral lip) | Adduction, medial rotation, flexion | Medial + Lateral pectoral (C5-T1) |
| Latissimus Dorsi | T7-L5, iliac crest, rib 9-12 | Bicipital groove (floor) | Extension, adduction, medial rotation | Thoracodorsal (C6,C7,C8) |
| Teres Major | Inferior angle scapula | Bicipital groove (medial lip) | Extension, adduction, medial rotation | Lower subscapular (C5,C6) |
| Biceps Brachii | Long head: supraglenoid tubercle; Short: coracoid | Radial tuberosity | Elbow flexion, supination, shoulder flex | Musculocutaneous (C5,C6) |
| Triceps Brachii | Long head: infraglenoid; Lateral/Medial: posterior humerus | Olecranon | Elbow extension | Radial (C6,C7,C8) |
Hip & Thigh
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Action | Nerve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gluteus Maximus | Ilium (post), sacrum, coccyx | IT band + Gluteal tuberosity | Hip extension, ER | Inferior gluteal (L5,S1,S2) |
| Gluteus Medius | Ilium (lateral, between ant + post lines) | Greater trochanter (lateral) | Hip abduction, IR (ant), ER (post) | Superior gluteal (L4,L5,S1) |
| Gluteus Minimus | Ilium (lateral, below medius) | Greater trochanter (anterior) | Hip abduction, medial rotation | Superior gluteal (L4,L5,S1) |
| Iliopsoas | Iliacus: iliac fossa; Psoas: T12-L4 vertebrae | Lesser trochanter | Hip flexion, ER | Femoral + direct branches (L1,L2,L3) |
| Quadriceps Femoris | Rectus: AIIS; Vasti: femoral shaft | Tibial tuberosity (via patella) | Knee extension; Rectus: hip flexion | Femoral (L2,L3,L4) |
| Hamstrings | Ischial tuberosity (all 3) | Tibia (semiT, semiM), fibular head (biceps) | Knee flexion, hip extension | Sciatic - tibial div (L5,S1,S2) |
| Adductors (longus/brevis/magnus) | Pubis/ischium | Linea aspera, adductor tubercle | Hip adduction | Obturator (L2,L3,L4) |
| Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL) | ASIS, iliac crest | IT band | Hip abduction, IR, knee ext via ITB | Superior gluteal (L4,L5) |
| Piriformis | Anterior sacrum (S2-S4) | Greater trochanter (superior) | Hip ER, abduction in flexion | S1,S2 |
Leg & Foot
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Action | Nerve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tibialis Anterior | Lateral tibia + interosseous membrane | 1st cuneiform + base 1st MT | Dorsiflexion, inversion | Deep peroneal (L4,L5) |
| Tibialis Posterior | Posterior tibia + interosseous membrane | Navicular + cuneiforms | Plantarflexion, inversion | Tibial (L4,L5) |
| Gastrocnemius | Medial + Lateral femoral condyles | Calcaneus (via Achilles) | Plantarflexion, knee flexion | Tibial (S1,S2) |
| Soleus | Soleal line of tibia, fibula head | Calcaneus (via Achilles) | Plantarflexion only | Tibial (S1,S2) |
| Peroneus Longus | Upper lateral fibula | 1st MT + medial cuneiform (plantar) | Eversion, plantarflexion | Superficial peroneal (L5,S1) |
| Extensor Digitorum Longus | Lateral condyle tibia, fibula | Dorsal toes 2-5 | Toe extension, dorsiflexion | Deep peroneal (L5,S1) |
2. NERVE ROOT VALUES
Brachial Plexus (C5-T1)
Roots: C5 C6 C7 C8 T1
| | | | |
Trunks: [UPPER] [MIDDLE] [LOWER]
(C5,C6) (C7) (C8,T1)
| | | | |
Divisions: Ant + Post | Ant + Post
| |
Cords: LATERAL POSTERIOR MEDIAL
(C5,C6,C7) (C5-T1) (C8,T1)
| Nerve | Roots | Key Action Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Musculocutaneous | C5,C6 | Elbow flexion (biceps) |
| Axillary | C5,C6 | Shoulder abduction (deltoid) |
| Radial | C5-C8 (T1) | Wrist/elbow extension; sensation dorsal hand |
| Median | C6-C8, T1 | Wrist flexion, thumb opposition, sensation radial 3.5 fingers |
| Ulnar | C8, T1 | Intrinsics (interossei, hypothenar), sensation ulnar 1.5 fingers |
| Long Thoracic | C5,C6,C7 | Serratus anterior - scapular winging if injured |
| Suprascapular | C5,C6 | Supraspinatus + Infraspinatus |
| Dorsal Scapular | C4,C5 | Rhomboids, Levator Scapulae |
| Thoracodorsal | C6,C7,C8 | Latissimus dorsi |
| Subscapular (lower) | C5,C6 | Subscapularis + Teres Major |
Dermatomes - Upper Limb (High Yield)
| Root | Area |
|---|---|
| C4 | Shoulder tip / "Epaulette" |
| C5 | Lateral arm (regimental badge) |
| C6 | Thumb + index finger |
| C7 | Middle finger |
| C8 | Ring + little finger |
| T1 | Medial forearm |
Myotomes - Upper Limb
| Root | Movement | Key Muscle |
|---|---|---|
| C5 | Shoulder abduction | Deltoid |
| C6 | Elbow flexion / wrist extension | Biceps, ECRL |
| C7 | Elbow extension / wrist flexion | Triceps, FCR |
| C8 | Finger flexion | FDP, FDS |
| T1 | Finger abduction | Dorsal interossei |
Lumbosacral Plexus (L1-S4)
Lumbar Plexus (L1-L4) - Formed in psoas
| Nerve | Roots | Supplies |
|---|---|---|
| Iliohypogastric | L1 | Skin of lower abdomen + buttock |
| Ilioinguinal | L1 | Inguinal region, medial thigh/scrotum/labia |
| Genitofemoral | L1,L2 | Cremaster, skin of femoral triangle |
| Lateral Cutaneous N. of Thigh | L2,L3 | Lateral thigh skin (Meralgia Paraesthetica if entrapped) |
| Femoral | L2,L3,L4 | Quadriceps, iliacus; skin anteromedial thigh + medial leg |
| Obturator | L2,L3,L4 | Adductors, skin medial thigh |
Sacral Plexus (L4-S4)
| Nerve | Roots | Supplies |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Gluteal | L4,L5,S1 | Glut Med, Glut Min, TFL |
| Inferior Gluteal | L5,S1,S2 | Gluteus Maximus |
| Sciatic | L4,L5,S1,S2,S3 | All hamstrings; divides into Tibial + Common Peroneal |
| Tibial | L4-S3 | Posterior leg + plantar foot |
| Common Peroneal | L4-S2 | Anterior + lateral leg |
| Pudendal | S2,S3,S4 | Perineal muscles, external sphincters |
| Posterior Cutaneous N. of Thigh | S1,S2,S3 | Posterior thigh |
Dermatomes - Lower Limb (High Yield)
| Root | Area |
|---|---|
| L1 | Inguinal region |
| L2 | Anterior upper thigh |
| L3 | Anterior lower thigh + knee |
| L4 | Medial leg + foot (great toe) |
| L5 | Lateral leg, dorsum foot, web space 1-2 |
| S1 | Lateral foot, heel, sole |
| S2 | Posterior thigh + calf |
| S3,S4 | Perianal / perineum |
Myotomes - Lower Limb
| Root | Movement | Key Muscle |
|---|---|---|
| L2 | Hip flexion | Iliopsoas |
| L3 | Knee extension | Quadriceps |
| L4 | Ankle dorsiflexion | Tibialis Anterior |
| L5 | Great toe extension, hip abduction | EHL, Glut Med |
| S1 | Ankle plantarflexion, knee flexion | Gastrocnemius, Hamstrings |
| S2 | Knee flexion (weak) | Hamstrings |
3. JOINT ROM VALUES (Normal Active ROM)
Upper Limb
| Joint | Movement | Normal ROM |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder (GHJ) | Flexion | 0-180° |
| Extension | 0-60° | |
| Abduction | 0-180° | |
| Adduction | 0-50° | |
| Internal Rotation | 0-70° | |
| External Rotation | 0-90° | |
| Horizontal Adduction | 0-135° | |
| Elbow | Flexion | 0-150° |
| Extension | 0° (hyperextension 10° in some) | |
| Pronation | 0-80° | |
| Supination | 0-80° | |
| Wrist | Flexion | 0-80° |
| Extension | 0-70° | |
| Ulnar deviation | 0-30° | |
| Radial deviation | 0-20° |
Lower Limb
| Joint | Movement | Normal ROM |
|---|---|---|
| Hip | Flexion (knee bent) | 0-120° |
| Flexion (knee straight) | 0-90° | |
| Extension | 0-30° | |
| Abduction | 0-45° | |
| Adduction | 0-30° | |
| IR | 0-45° | |
| ER | 0-45° | |
| Knee | Flexion | 0-135° |
| Extension | 0° | |
| IR (tibia, knee flexed) | 0-30° | |
| ER (tibia, knee flexed) | 0-45° | |
| Ankle | Dorsiflexion | 0-20° |
| Plantarflexion | 0-50° | |
| Inversion | 0-35° | |
| Eversion | 0-15° |
Spine
| Region | Movement | Normal ROM |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical | Flexion | 0-45° |
| Extension | 0-45° | |
| Lateral Flexion | 0-45° | |
| Rotation | 0-60° | |
| Lumbar | Flexion | 0-75° |
| Extension | 0-30° | |
| Lateral Flexion | 0-35° | |
| Rotation | 0-18° | |
| Thoracic | Rotation | Most (up to 35° each side) |
Exam Tip: Shoulder abduction has the widest arc (180°). Wrist has more flexion than extension. Ankle has more plantarflexion than dorsiflexion. Cervical has the most rotation of the spine.
4. SCAPULOHUMERAL RHYTHM
Definition
The coordinated movement of the glenohumeral (GH) joint and the scapulothoracic (ST) joint during shoulder elevation.
Key Ratio: 2:1 (GH:ST)
For every 3° of total shoulder elevation:
- 2° occurs at the Glenohumeral Joint
- 1° occurs at the Scapulothoracic Joint
Total Elevation = 180°
- GH contributes: 120°
- Scapulothoracic contributes: 60° (upward rotation of scapula)
Phase-wise Breakdown
| Phase | Arm Elevation | GH Movement | ST Movement | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Setting phase | 0-30° | ~20-30° | Nearly 0 (scapula "sets") | Very high initially |
| Main phase | 30-180° | ~100° | ~60° | Approaches 2:1 |
Muscles Involved
- GH upward rotation: Deltoid (middle), Supraspinatus
- Scapular upward rotation: Serratus Anterior (main) + Trapezius (upper + lower)
- Force couple for scapular upward rotation: Upper Trapezius + Lower Trapezius + Serratus Anterior
Clinical Significance
- Disrupted rhythm = dyskinesis (winging, impingement)
- Serratus anterior weakness (long thoracic nerve palsy) = medial winging
- Trapezius weakness (accessory nerve palsy) = lateral winging (less common)
5. CLOSED PACK vs LOOSE PACK POSITIONS
Concept
- Closed Pack: Maximum congruence of joint surfaces, maximum tension in capsule/ligaments, bone cannot be distracted. Used to lock/stabilize the joint.
- Loose Pack (Resting Position): Minimum congruence, minimum capsule tension, maximum synovial fluid, joint can be distracted. Used for joint mobilization and acute conditions.
Complete Table (All Major Joints)
| Joint | Close Pack Position | Loose Pack (Resting) Position |
|---|---|---|
| Glenohumeral | Full abduction + ER | 55-70° abduction, 30° horizontal adduction |
| Acromioclavicular | 90° abduction | Arm by side |
| Sternoclavicular | Maximum shoulder elevation | Arm by side |
| Elbow (Humeroulnar) | Full extension + supination | 70° flexion, 10° supination |
| Humeroradial | 90° flexion, 5° supination | Full extension, supination |
| Proximal Radioulnar | 5° supination | 70° flexion, 35° supination |
| Distal Radioulnar | 5° supination | 10° supination |
| Wrist (radiocarpal) | Full extension + ulnar deviation | Neutral (slight flexion + ulnar dev) |
| MCP | Full flexion | Slight flexion |
| IP joints (fingers) | Full extension | Slight flexion |
| Hip | Full extension + IR + abduction | 30° flex, 30° abduction, slight ER |
| Knee (tibiofemoral) | Full extension + ER of tibia | 25° flexion |
| Ankle (talocrural) | Maximum dorsiflexion | 10° plantarflexion, midway inversion/eversion |
| Subtalar | Supination (inversion+adduction+plantarflexion) | Midway between extremes |
| 1st MTP | Full extension | Neutral/slight extension |
| Cervical spine | Full extension | Slight flexion |
| Lumbar spine | Full extension | Slight flexion |
Memory Tip - Close Pack: Think of positions used in weight bearing or end-of-range movements. "Lock it shut to brace it." Memory Tip - Loose Pack: Think of positions a resting limb naturally falls into. "Relax into the rest position."
Quick Exam MCQ Traps to Watch
- Scapulohumeral rhythm ratio is 2:1 (GH:ST) - not 3:1 or 1:2
- Serratus anterior = upward rotation + protraction; nerve = Long thoracic (C5,C6,C7)
- Deltoid gets its nerve from Axillary nerve (C5,C6), same as Teres Minor
- L4 root = both tibialis anterior (dorsiflexion) AND the patellar reflex (via femoral nerve)
- S1 root = ankle jerk (Achilles reflex)
- Closed pack of hip = full extension (not flexion) - extension "locks" the hip
- Wrist has more flexion (80°) than extension (70°)
- Shoulder ER (90°) > IR (70°) in normal ROM
- Piriformis root is S1, S2 - commonly tested
- Rhomboids = dorsal scapular nerve from C4,C5 (not C5,C6 like most shoulder muscles)
Want me to continue with the next topic - Electrotherapy parameters, Special orthopaedic tests, or Neurological physiotherapy (Brunnstrom stages, ASIA grading)? Just say the word.
This is a shared conversation. Sign in to Orris to start your own chat.