Fundamentals of the Physical Therapy Examination: Patient Interview and Tests & Measures

by Stacie J. Fruth

Overview

Fundamentals of the Physical Therapy Examination: Patient Interview and Tests & Measures, Third Edition provides physical therapy students and clinicians with the fundamental, step-by-step information needed to determine questions to ask and tests and measures to perform during a patient exam. This a resource that can be used by physical therapy students in both the classroom and the clinic to help them learn methods of collecting meaningful verbal, observational, and measured data from any patient, regardless of setting or diagnosis. 75 videos demonstrate numerous assessment techniques and patient interviews5 case studies at the end of each primary test/measure chapter that walks through the decision-making process for which tests to use, which not to use, and why. It also includes Decision Tree and Documentation examples.Navigate Advantage includes an eBook with embedded videos and Knowledge Check Questions, eBook quizzes, slides in PowerPoint format, and image bank.Instructor Resources include slides in PowerPoint format, midterm exam, final exam, a test bank, lecture outlines, a sample syllabus, and image bank. Foundations of Physical TherapyClinical SkillsTests and MeasuresExamination and Intervention © 2026 | 440 pages

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781284282108
Publisher:	Jones & Bartlett Learning
Publication date:	03/12/2025
Edition description:	3rd ed.
Pages:	440
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Dr. Stacie J. Fruth is the founding chair and professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Western Michigan University where she is also the director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Dr. Fruth received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan, her Master of Science degree in Exercise Science from the University of Massachusetts, her Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis, and her Doctor of Health Science degree from the University of Indianapolis. She also achieved Board Certification as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist in 2011. Since transitioning from full-time clinician to academia in 2003, Dr. Fruth has been responsible for teaching physical therapy students the fundamental clinical skills required for both patient examination and intervention. In 2009, Dr. Fruth received the Teacher of the Year award from the University of Indianapolis, where she served as a faculty in the Krannert School of Physical Therapy for 12 years. Clinically, she has focused her practice in the emergency department of a level-I trauma hospital as well as in a pro-bono clinic.'

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction to the Physical Therapy Examination
Part I The Patient Interview: Laying a Solid Foundation
Chapter 2 Cultivating a Therapeutic Part nership
Chapter 3 Interviewing Techniques and Communication Tools
Chapter 4 Conduct and Content of the Patient Interview
Part II Tests and Measures: Building on the Foundation
Chapter 5 Introduction to Physical Therapy Tests and Measures
Chapter 6 Global Observation, Mental Functions, and Components of Mobility and Function
Chapter 7 Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Examination
Chapter 8 Integumentary Examination
Chapter 9 Musculoskeletal Examination
Chapter 10 Neuromuscular Examination

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Jeff B. Yaver, PT (University of Florida Health, Jacksonville)
Description: This is a second edition of a book detailing the physical therapy examination. The online content, available for a year after redeeming the access code, includes the complete ebook with embedded knowledge checks and videos. The first edition was published in 2014.
Purpose: The author states that the purpose is to "provide novice to intermediate students of physical therapy with a resource that can be used both in the classroom and clinic to help them learn methods of collecting meaningful verbal, observational and measured data from any patient, regardless of setting or diagnosis. It is also designed as a resource for physical therapy faculty." This book meets its purpose in every way. It is a tool that is comprehensive but made for the clinical world. Both the online and print versions are true assets for teaching this subject.
Audience: The intended audience is student physical therapists as well as novice clinicians. Physical therapy students who might need help or review during their clinical rotations would specifically benefit from this book as well. The author is founding chair, professor, and director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Western Michigan University. She has been teaching in this area since 2003 and obtained her Orthopaedics Clinical Specialist certification in 2011.
Features: The book starts with a comprehensive presentation of the patient interview. The author details the various components, but also adds pearls of wisdom. For example, the author reminds students to learn from every patient and notes the rewards of impacting patients' lives and the "the unexpected gift" of patients impacting a therapist's life. The second part of the book is dedicated to the different tests and measures used in a physical exam. One of the unique aspects of the book is the discussion of determining when a test/exam is a priority or pointless and why. The section on communication has wonderful quotes about listening, service, etc.
Assessment: This book and the accompanying online resources are a welcome addition to the education of new physical therapists in the performance of all aspects of an examination. They go beyond presenting a collection of special tests and keep the clinical reasoning underlying the examination process at the forefront. This book is appropriate across various practice settings (i.e. acute, home health, outpatient). A particular strength is the section pertaining to communication, which is especially poignant and insightful.

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