Physical Therapy Evaluation Tool (PEAT) 3 Practice Exam

Which statement best describes objective measures used to track progress in PT evaluation?

Patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction scales.

Imaging results alone.

ROM, strength, functional tests (e.g., TUG, 6-minute walk), and performance-based scales.

Tracking progress in physical therapy relies on objective measures that yield numeric, reproducible data about what a patient can do. Range of motion and strength quantify joint movement and muscle capacity, while functional tests such as the Timed Up and Go or a 6-minute walk test assess real-world performance in mobility and endurance. Performance-based scales summarize several domains and provide standardized scores to monitor change over time. Together, these objective measures give a clear, measurable picture of improvement or lack thereof, and they evolve with the patient’s rehabilitation. Imaging can show structural status but doesn’t reliably track short-term functional progress and isn’t practical for ongoing progress monitoring, while administrative metrics don’t reflect physical function.

Administrative metrics only.