Free Practice Questions for Esame di Stato Fisioterapista

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Key Facts: Esame di Stato Fisioterapista Exam

L/SNT2

Undergraduate degree class in rehabilitation health professions conferring eligibility

D.I. 19 febbraio 2009

Art. 7 D.I. 19/02/2009

Legislative article conferring direct State Licensing value to the final degree exam

MUR / Ministero della Salute

2 parts

Practical exam of profession-specific competence + degree thesis defense

D.I. 19 febbraio 2009, Art. 7

FNOFI

Autonomous national professional order federation for Italian physiotherapists

D.M. 8 settembre 2022

D.M. 741/1994

Ministerial profile defining autonomous physical therapy rehabilitation practice

Ministero della Sanità

180 ECTS

Three-year academic program including extensive supervised clinical internship

L/SNT2 Degree Curriculum

The qualifying final examination for the Laurea in Fisioterapia (L/SNT2) has Esame di Stato value under Article 7 of D.I. 19 febbraio 2009. It combines a profession-specific practical assessment with preparation and discussion of a thesis; local logistics are university-specific. This OpenExamPrep bank is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation and does not simulate either mandatory component.

Sample Esame di Stato Fisioterapista Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Esame di Stato Fisioterapista exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 95+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 24-year-old amateur soccer player is 4 weeks post-operative following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using an autologous bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft. When designing an early-phase open kinetic chain (OKC) knee extension exercise, which range of motion should be strictly avoided to minimize excessive anterior shear forces and strain on the healing graft?

A.90° to 60° of knee flexion

B.45° to 0° of knee extension

C.100° to 80° of knee flexion

D.60° to 45° of knee flexion

Explanation: During open kinetic chain (OKC) knee extension against resistance, the quadriceps tendon produces substantial anterior tibial shear force that peaks between 45° and 0° of full extension, placing maximal tensile stress on the healing ACL graft. In contrast, OKC knee extension between 90° and 45° (or 90° to 60°) produces negligible anterior shear and is considered safer in early rehabilitation.

2A 68-year-old woman underwent an elective primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) via a standard posterolateral surgical approach 3 days ago. Which combined movement pattern represents the classic 'hip dislocation precautions' that the patient must avoid during early transfers and daily activities?

A.Hip extension beyond 10°, adduction, and external rotation

B.Hip flexion beyond 90°, adduction across midline, and internal rotation

C.Hip abduction beyond 45°, extension, and external rotation

D.Hip flexion beyond 90°, abduction beyond 45°, and external rotation

Explanation: The posterolateral approach disrupts the posterior joint capsule and short external rotators (piriformis, obturator internus, gemelli). Consequently, the prosthetic femoral head is vulnerable to posterior dislocation under combined hip flexion greater than 90°, adduction past the midline, and internal rotation.

3A 52-year-old patient presents with adhesive capsulitis of the left glenohumeral joint in the 'frozen' (chronic stiffness) stage. Active and passive range of motion are severely restricted in a classic capsular pattern. According to Maitland manual therapy concepts, which passive accessory mobilization is most appropriate to selectively improve glenohumeral abduction?

A.Anterior glide of the humeral head on the glenoid fossa

B.Inferior (caudal) glide of the humeral head on the glenoid fossa

C.Superior (cephalad) glide of the humeral head on the glenoid fossa

D.Posterior-anterior (PA) compression glide without traction

Explanation: According to the convex-concave rule, the convex humeral head rolls superiorly during abduction while sliding inferiorly (caudally) within the concave glenoid fossa. Therefore, passive inferior (caudal) glide stretches the redundant inferior capsule and axillary pouch, restoring glenohumeral abduction.

4A 58-year-old male is referred to physical therapy 2 weeks after an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of a full-thickness supraspinatus tear. What is the primary therapeutic objective and allowable intervention during this initial maximal protection phase (weeks 0 to 4)?

A.Initiating active-assisted elevation in the scapular plane using pulleys and light resistance bands

B.Preserving passive mobility within pain-free limits while strictly avoiding active shoulder contraction to protect tendon-to-bone anchor healing

C.Progressive isometric strengthening of the external and internal rotators in 90° of shoulder abduction

D.High-grade end-range manual stretching into end-range internal rotation to prevent capsular tightness

Explanation: During the first 4 to 6 weeks post-rotator cuff repair, the biological fibrovascular tendon-to-bone interface has low tensile failure strength. The primary goals are protecting structural integrity and preventing intra-articular adhesions via gentle, passive range of motion (PROM) within prescribed safety limits, while strictly avoiding active muscle activation.

5A physical therapist examines a 47-year-old office worker complaining of neck pain radiating into the right thumb and lateral forearm. According to the validated Clinical Prediction Rule established by Wainner et al. (2003) for cervical radiculopathy, which cluster of four clinical findings yields a positive likelihood ratio greater than 30 when all four are positive?

A.Positive Spurling A test, positive Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test 1 (ULTT-1/median nerve), positive cervical distraction test, and ipsilateral cervical rotation less than 60°

B.Positive Hoffmann sign, positive Babinski sign, hyperreflexia of the brachioradialis, and neck flexion eliciting electrical paresthesia (Lhermitte sign)

C.Positive Neer impingement test, positive Adson maneuver, positive Roos test, and loss of the radial pulse during hyperabduction

D.Positive Sharp-Purser test, positive alar ligament stress test, neck flexion headache, and suboccipital tenderness

Explanation: Wainner's diagnostic clinical prediction rule for cervical radiculopathy comprises: (1) positive Spurling test A, (2) positive ULTT-1 (Elvey/median nerve bias), (3) positive cervical distraction test (reduction of symptoms), and (4) ipsilateral cervical rotation < 60°. When all four criteria are positive, the specificity is 99% and the positive likelihood ratio exceeds 30.3.

6A 35-year-old marathon runner presents with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy persisting for 4 months. Current evidence-based clinical practice guidelines recommend mechanical loading protocols to stimulate tenocyte collagen remodeling. What characterizes the classical Alfredson eccentric protocol compared to Heavy Slow Resistance (HSR) training?

A.Alfredson utilizes isolated eccentric contractions performed twice daily for 12 weeks with the knee straight and bent, while HSR utilizes both concentric and eccentric phases at heavy loads (6-8 RM) three times weekly

B.Alfredson utilizes concentric-only loading at high velocities, while HSR relies exclusively on passive stretching and low-intensity plyometrics

C.Alfredson requires strict non-weight-bearing open-chain ankle movements, while HSR is conducted exclusively in single-leg hop landings

D.Alfredson is performed once weekly at 90% 1RM, while HSR requires twice-daily low-load isometric holds of 60 seconds duration

Explanation: The Alfredson eccentric model consists of 3 sets of 15 repetitions performed twice daily for 12 weeks, both with the knee extended (gastrocnemius bias) and flexed (soleus bias), focusing solely on the lowering (eccentric) phase. Heavy Slow Resistance (HSR) training employs combined concentric-eccentric repetitions at heavy loads (6-8 repetition maximum, 3 seconds concentric and 3 seconds eccentric) performed 3 times per week, achieving equivalent clinical efficacy and tendon remodeling.

7A 42-year-old tennis player reports lateral elbow pain aggravated when gripping the racquet and carrying grocery bags. On physical examination, Cozen's test and Mill's test reproduce sharp pain over the lateral epicondyle. Which musculotendinous unit is most commonly involved in lateral epicondylalgia?

A.Extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB)

B.Flexor carpi radialis (FCR)

C.Pronator teres

D.Brachioradialis

Explanation: Lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow) is primarily a tendinopathy of the common extensor origin, with the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) origin undergoing angiofibroblastic tendinosis in over 90% of clinical cases. Cozen's test (resisted wrist extension with radial deviation) and Mill's test (passive wrist flexion with pronation and elbow extension) selectively tensile-stress the ECRB.

8A 22-year-old female runner presents with peripatellar and retro-patellar knee pain when descending stairs and after prolonged sitting (movie sign), consistent with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Current international clinical practice guidelines strongly recommend which exercise intervention for superior long-term pain and functional outcomes?

A.Combined hip- and knee-targeted exercise (posterolateral hip abductor/external rotator strengthening combined with quadriceps strengthening)

B.Isolated electrical muscle stimulation of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) without any hip or trunk loading

C.Strict non-weight-bearing continuous passive motion (CPM) coupled with long-term rigid knee bracing

D.High-velocity plyometric jump training and aggressive terminal knee extension squats in deep knee flexion

Explanation: Evidence from international consensus guidelines on patellofemoral pain indicates that combining posterolateral hip muscle strengthening (gluteus medius and maximus abductors/external rotators) with quadriceps strengthening is significantly superior to knee-focused quadriceps exercise alone. Improving hip strength controls excessive femoral adduction and dynamic knee valgus, directly reducing patellofemoral joint contact stress.

9A 71-year-old man presents with bilateral cramping calf pain and numbness provoked by walking 150 meters. He states that leaning over a shopping cart provides rapid relief. To clinically differentiate neurogenic claudication (lumbar spinal stenosis) from vascular intermittent claudication, the therapist performs the bicycle test of van Gelderen. What finding confirms neurogenic claudication?

A.Pain appears rapidly during cycling in an upright posture but is delayed or absent when cycling in a forward-flexed posture with identical pedaling resistance

B.Pain occurs after an identical pedaling duration regardless of whether the lumbar spine is held in flexion or extension

C.Distal pedal pulses immediately disappear upon forward flexion of the lumbar spine on the stationary bicycle

D.Pain is triggered solely during rapid pedal cadence in a flexed spine posture due to vascular steal syndrome

Explanation: In lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbar extension narrows the central canal and neuroforamina, provoking neurogenic claudication, whereas lumbar flexion increases cross-sectional spinal canal volume by up to 28%, relieving neural ischemia. In the bicycle test of van Gelderen, a patient with neurogenic claudication pedals significantly longer without pain when flexed versus upright. In vascular claudication, symptoms depend purely on muscular metabolic workload, occurring at identical time intervals regardless of spinal posture.

10Following a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), a patient exhibits substantial quadriceps weakness and is unable to perform a straight leg raise without a 15° extensor lag. What physiological phenomenon primarily accounts for this quadriceps activation deficit in the immediate post-operative period?

A.Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) mediated by joint effusion, capsule distension, and altered afferent feedback

B.Irreversible denervation of the femoral nerve due to intraoperative tourniquet ischemia

C.Hypertrophic conversion of fast-twitch Type II fibers into slow-twitch Type I fibers

D.Reflex sympathetic inhibition triggered exclusively by spinal anesthesia

Explanation: Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is a presynaptic reflex inhibition of the periarticular musculature (particularly the quadriceps) triggered by joint distension, inflammation, pain, and capsular swelling following knee surgery or trauma. Group II and Ib joint afferents inhibit the alpha motor neuron pool in the spinal cord, preventing full voluntary muscle recruitment despite intact efferent motor pathways.

About the Esame di Stato Fisioterapista Exam

The Esame di Stato abilitante all'esercizio della professione di Fisioterapista is the official Italian qualifying state licensing examination that entitles graduates of the three-year Laurea in Fisioterapia (Class L/SNT2) to legally practice as physical therapists across the Italian National Health Service (SSN) and in private practice. Defined by Ministerial Decree D.M. 14 settembre 1994, n. 741, the physiotherapist is an autonomous healthcare professional practicing rehabilitation, functional re-education, and prevention within motor, psychomotor, cognitive, and visceral functions. Under Article 7 of the Interministerial Decree of 19 February 2009 (D.I. 19 febbraio 2009), the final degree examination of Class L/SNT2 has direct state licensing validity and requires both a profession-specific practical examination and preparation and discussion of a thesis. Following the enactment of the Lorenzin Reform (Legge 3/2018) and Ministerial Decree of 8 September 2022 (D.M. 8 settembre 2022), Italian physiotherapists established their own autonomous professional orders and National Federation (FNOFI - Federazione Nazionale degli Ordini della Professione Sanitaria di Fisioterapista), making registration in the provincial Albo dei Fisioterapisti mandatory for clinical practice. Independent Fisioterapista State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation, not a simulation of the mandatory practical test or thesis defense.

Exam sponsor: Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MUR) / designated universities in agreement with Ministero della Salute and FNOFI. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Article 7 of D.I. 19 febbraio 2009 gives the final examination for the Laurea in Fisioterapia (L/SNT2) the legal value of an Esame di Stato. The national rule requires two components: a practical examination demonstrating profession-specific theoretical, practical, and technical-operational competence, and preparation and discussion of a thesis. It does not prescribe one national item count, duration, numerical cut score, fee, detailed local task type, or delivery language; candidates must use their university's current notice for those logistics. Independent Fisioterapista practice by OpenExamPrep is an English-language four-option MCQ study adaptation, not an official translation, a format simulation, or a substitute for practical or oral performance practice.

Time Limit

Varies by university; no single national duration is published

Passing Score

Set by the university; no single national numerical cut score is published

Exam / Certification Fees

Varies by university; no single national fee is published

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30 local questions (not an official percentage)

Musculoskeletal & Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Manual Therapy & Post-Surgical Care

Peripheral and spinal biomechanics, joint mobilization, manual therapy concepts (Maitland, Kaltenborn, Mulligan), post-surgical rehabilitation protocols (total hip/knee arthroplasty, rotator cuff repair, ACL reconstruction), tendinopathies, spine pain syndromes, and evidence-based therapeutic exercise.

25 local questions (not an official percentage)

Neurological Physical Therapy & Neurorehabilitation

Central and peripheral neurological conditions: ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke rehabilitation, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury (ASIA/ISNCSCI classification), traumatic brain injury, motor learning, neuroplasticity, spasticity management, and major neurorehabilitation models (Bobath, Kabat/PNF, Perfetti).

19 local questions (not an official percentage)

Cardiorespiratory Physical Therapy, Pulmonary Rehabilitation & ICU Mobilization

Airway clearance techniques (active cycle of breathing, autogenic drainage, positive expiratory pressure devices), inspiratory muscle training, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), restrictive lung disorders, cardiac rehabilitation phases I-III, mechanical ventilation weaning, and early progressive mobility in intensive care.

15 local questions (not an official percentage)

Functional Assessment, Outcome Measures & Assistive Technology

Validated outcome scales (Functional Independence Measure, Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go, 6-Minute Walk Test, DASH), International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), 3D and observational gait analysis, orthoses, lower limb prosthetics, and wheelchair seating.

6 local questions (not an official percentage)

Professional Deontology, Italian Health Law & FNOFI Regulatory Framework

D.M. 741/1994 (physiotherapist profile), Legge 42/1999, Legge 251/2000, Legge 43/2006, Legge 3/2018 (Legge Lorenzin), D.M. 8 settembre 2022 (creation of FNOFI and autonomous Orders), professional autonomy, informed consent (Legge 219/2017), ECM continuing education, and ethical obligations.

Preparing for the Esame di Stato Fisioterapista Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Set by the university; no single national numerical cut score is published
Assessment: Article 7 of D.I. 19 febbraio 2009 gives the final examination for the Laurea in Fisioterapia (L/SNT2) the legal value of an Esame di Stato. The national rule requires two components: a practical examination demonstrating profession-specific theoretical, practical, and technical-operational competence, and preparation and discussion of a thesis. It does not prescribe one national item count, duration, numerical cut score, fee, detailed local task type, or delivery language; candidates must use their university's current notice for those logistics. Independent Fisioterapista practice by OpenExamPrep is an English-language four-option MCQ study adaptation, not an official translation, a format simulation, or a substitute for practical or oral performance practice.
Time limit: Varies by university; no single national duration is published
Exam / certification fees: Varies by university; no single national fee is published Official sources

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Esame di Stato Fisioterapista: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master clinical reasoning for orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, including specific clinical tests, contraindications, red flags, and evidence-based exercise progressions.

2Review neurorehabilitation models (Bobath, Kabat/PNF, Perfetti cognitive therapeutic exercises) and standard assessment systems such as ASIA/ISNCSCI for spinal cord injury and NIHSS/mRS for stroke.

3Thoroughly understand cardiorespiratory physical therapy, including active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT), autogenic drainage, positive expiratory pressure (PEP), and criteria for safe mobilization in the intensive care unit.

4Familiarize yourself with validated functional outcome measures commonly cited in Italian rehabilitation facilities, including the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT).

5Study Italian healthcare legislation governing allied health professions: D.M. 741/1994 (professional profile), Legge 42/1999 (elimination of auxiliary status), Legge 251/2000 (professional autonomy), Legge 3/2018 (Lorenzin Reform), and D.M. 8 settembre 2022 (FNOFI establishment).

6Prepare for practical case discussions by structuring each clinical response systematically: anamnesis, functional objective examination, functional diagnosis, short/long-term rehabilitation goals, specific therapeutic interventions, and outcome measurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Esame di Stato for Physiotherapists in Italy and how is it administered?

Under Article 7 of D.I. 19 febbraio 2009, the final examination of the Laurea in Fisioterapia (Class L/SNT2) has the legal value of an Esame di Stato, so candidates do not sit a separate post-graduate national board examination. It combines a profession-specific practical examination with preparation and discussion of a thesis.

What are the two mandatory components of the qualifying final examination?

Article 7 of D.I. 19 febbraio 2009 requires two components: a practical examination demonstrating profession-specific theoretical, practical, and technical-operational competence, and preparation and discussion of a thesis. Detailed tasks, order, scoring, duration, and delivery arrangements are set by the university rather than standardized nationally.

What is the legal regulatory framework and professional order for Italian physiotherapists?

The professional profile was originally enacted by D.M. 14 settembre 1994, n. 741, establishing physiotherapy as an autonomous healthcare rehabilitation profession. Later statutory reforms (Legge 42/1999, Legge 251/2000, and Legge 3/2018 Lorenzin Reform) confirmed its autonomous diagnostic and therapeutic status. By virtue of the Ministry of Health Decree of 8 September 2022 (D.M. 8 settembre 2022), physiotherapists transitioned from the multi-professional TSRM-PSTRP federation into their own independent professional orders (Ordini della Professione Sanitaria di Fisioterapista) governed nationally by the Federazione Nazionale degli Ordini della Professione Sanitaria di Fisioterapista (FNOFI). Mandatory registration in the provincial Albo dei Fisioterapisti is legally required to practice.

What are the passing scores, fees, and examination dates?

Fees, dates, duration, grading details, and any repeat procedure are set by the individual university. D.I. 19 febbraio 2009 does not publish a single national fee, timetable, duration, or numerical cut score for this final qualifying examination.

Why does OpenExamPrep offer multiple-choice practice questions for this exam?

D.I. 19 febbraio 2009 does not publish one national delivery language for this university-run final examination. This OpenExamPrep resource uses English four-option MCQs as an independent study adaptation. It is not an official translation, does not simulate the practical examination or thesis defense, and is not a substitute for performance practice or the candidate's university notice.

What clinical autonomy does an Italian physiotherapist hold regarding medical prescriptions?

In accordance with D.M. 741/1994 and Legge 251/2000, physiotherapists operate within their clinical autonomy. Following medical diagnosis, the physiotherapist independently evaluates functional deficits, formulates the physiotherapy rehabilitation program (piano di trattamento riabilitativo), selects therapeutic modalities and manual techniques, monitors outcomes, and assesses readiness for discharge or referral back to the physician.