DHA Exam Sample Questions for Physiotherapists in Dubai
DHA Exam Sample Questions for Physiotherapists in Dubai
For physiotherapists aiming to build a career in a world-class city, Dubai offers an exceptional environment with its state-of-the-art facilities and diverse patient population. The gateway to this opportunity is the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Physiotherapy Exam. This rigorous test is designed to ensure that practitioners meet the high standards of clinical competence and patient safety expected in the Emirate. Success is not merely about recalling academic knowledge; it’s about applying clinical reasoning to solve practical, case-based problems.
The most effective way to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and exam-day performance is through dedicated practice with high-quality sample questions. Engaging with realistic Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) is the gold standard for preparation. It allows you to understand the exam’s format, identify high-yield topics, and hone the critical thinking skills needed to excel. This guide provides a comprehensive collection of free DHA exam sample questions specifically for physiotherapists, complete with detailed rationales that explain the ‘why’ behind each answer. This is your essential first step in understanding how to apply for and pass the DHA exam for physiotherapists.
Key Takeaways for Physiotherapy Exam Success
- Clinical Reasoning is Paramount: The exam is built on clinical scenarios. Your ability to assess, diagnose, and formulate a treatment plan is more important than memorizing facts.
- Master Special Tests: A thorough knowledge of orthopedic special tests (for shoulder, knee, hip, spine) is non-negotiable. You must know their purpose, procedure, and interpretation.
- Understand Red Flags: Patient safety is key. Be able to identify red flags in a patient’s history or presentation that warrant immediate medical referral.
- Gait, Balance, and Modalities: Expect numerous questions on gait analysis, balance assessment scales, and the appropriate application (indications/contraindications) of therapeutic modalities.
- Focus on High-Yield Areas: Musculoskeletal and Neurological physiotherapy are the most heavily weighted sections. Allocate your study time accordingly.
Core Domains of the DHA Physiotherapy Exam
A strategic study plan focuses on the key areas of the exam blueprint. While the exact distribution may vary, the content consistently revolves around these core competencies of physiotherapy practice.
| Core Domain | High-Yield Topics and Concepts for 2025 |
|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy | This is the largest domain. It covers assessment and management of orthopedic conditions of the spine (disc herniation, stenosis), shoulder (impingement, rotator cuff tears), hip (osteoarthritis), knee (ligamentous injuries, meniscal tears), and ankle. Mastery of special tests, joint mobilization grades, and post-operative rehabilitation protocols (e.g., for ACL reconstruction, Total Knee Replacement) is crucial. |
| Neurological Physiotherapy | Assessment and management of conditions like Stroke (CVA), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson’s Disease. Key topics include understanding different assessment scales (e.g., Modified Ashworth for spasticity, Berg Balance Scale), principles of neuroplasticity, and specific treatment techniques (e.g., PNF, Bobath). |
| Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy | Rehabilitation for patients post-MI (Myocardial Infarction) and CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft). Management of chronic respiratory conditions like COPD and Asthma. Key topics include understanding MET levels, Borg Scale for dyspnea, airway clearance techniques (e.g., postural drainage, active cycle of breathing), and interpreting basic vital signs. |
| General Physiotherapy & Professional Practice | This domain includes therapeutic modalities (ultrasound, TENS, interferential therapy – indications, contraindications, parameters), ergonomics, gait analysis and deviations, ethics, patient safety, and pediatric conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, developmental milestones). |
When you encounter a clinical scenario, immediately think: “What is the primary impairment? What are the activity limitations? What is the most specific and safe intervention I can provide?” This structured approach will guide you to the correct answer.
Free DHA Physiotherapy Exam Sample Questions & Rationales
The best way to prepare is to practice. Treat each question as a mini-case study. Formulate your answer before looking at the options and the rationale. This active approach is the key to building exam readiness. For more practice, a dedicated bank of physiotherapy MCQs is invaluable.
Question 1: Musculoskeletal (Shoulder)
A 45-year-old office worker presents with anterolateral shoulder pain that is worse with overhead activities. On examination, you find a painful arc of motion between 70-120 degrees of abduction. The Hawkins-Kennedy and Neer’s tests are both positive. Which structure is most likely implicated?
- Glenohumeral joint capsule
- Supraspinatus tendon
- Biceps tendon (long head)
- Acromioclavicular joint
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This is a classic presentation of subacromial impingement syndrome. The supraspinatus tendon is the most commonly impinged structure in the subacromial space. The painful arc, along with positive results for the Hawkins-Kennedy and Neer’s impingement tests, specifically points to compression of the supraspinatus tendon between the humeral head and the acromion process during elevation of the arm.
Why other options are incorrect:
A: Glenohumeral joint capsule involvement (e.g., adhesive capsulitis) would present with a global loss of both active and passive range of motion, not just a painful arc.
C: Biceps tendonitis would typically produce pain with tests like Speed’s test or Yergason’s test, and the tenderness would be more anterior over the bicipital groove.
D: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint pathology would cause localized pain at the top of the shoulder and would be provoked by tests like the cross-body adduction test.
Question 2: Neurological Physiotherapy
You are assessing a patient who has had a left-sided cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The patient demonstrates significant flexor synergy in the affected upper extremity. Which movement pattern would be most characteristic of this synergy?
- Shoulder abduction and external rotation, elbow flexion, wrist extension
- Shoulder adduction and internal rotation, elbow extension, wrist flexion
- Shoulder abduction and external rotation, elbow flexion, wrist and finger flexion
- Shoulder adduction, elbow extension, and forearm pronation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Brunnstrom’s stages of stroke recovery describe stereotypical movement patterns called synergies. The upper extremity flexor synergy is one of the most common patterns seen post-stroke. Its strongest components are typically elbow flexion, forearm supination, and wrist/finger flexion, often accompanied by shoulder abduction and external rotation. This option includes the key components of elbow, wrist, and finger flexion with shoulder abduction/external rotation.
Why other options are incorrect:
A & B: These options mix components of both flexor and extensor synergies.
D: This pattern describes the components of the upper extremity *extensor* synergy (shoulder adduction, elbow extension, pronation).
Question 3: Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
A patient is in Phase II of cardiac rehabilitation following a myocardial infarction 4 weeks ago. The physiotherapist prescribes aerobic exercise on a treadmill. Which of the following would be an absolute contraindication to continuing the exercise session?
- Heart rate increases to 75% of age-predicted maximum.
- Patient reports a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 13 on the 6-20 Borg scale.
- Systolic blood pressure drops more than 10 mmHg from baseline with an increasing workload.
- Patient complains of mild muscle fatigue in their legs.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A drop in systolic blood pressure of >10 mmHg during exercise with an increasing workload is an ominous sign. This is known as exertional hypotension and suggests that the heart’s cardiac output is failing to meet the body’s demand. It may indicate ischemia or left ventricular dysfunction and is an absolute indication to terminate the exercise session immediately and notify the medical team.
Why other options are incorrect:
A: A heart rate of 75% of max is an appropriate target intensity for a cardiac rehab patient.
B: An RPE of 13 corresponds to “somewhat hard,” which is a safe and effective intensity for aerobic training.
D: Mild muscle fatigue is an expected and normal response to exercise.
Question 4: Musculoskeletal (Knee)
A 20-year-old football player sustained a non-contact injury to his right knee while pivoting. He reports hearing a “pop” and the knee immediately swelled. On examination, a Lachman test reveals significant anterior translation of the tibia with a soft end-feel. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) tear
- Medial Meniscus tear
- Patellar dislocation
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The mechanism of injury (non-contact, pivoting), the audible “pop,” rapid hemarthrosis (swelling), and a positive Lachman test are the classic signs and symptoms of an ACL rupture. The Lachman test is considered the most sensitive and specific clinical test for diagnosing an ACL tear, and a soft end-feel is indicative of ligamentous disruption.
Why other options are incorrect:
A: An MCL tear is usually caused by a valgus force and would result in pain and laxity with the valgus stress test.
B: A meniscal tear might cause a pop and swelling, but it is more associated with mechanical symptoms like locking or catching, and would be provoked by tests like McMurray’s.
C: A patellar dislocation would present with an obvious deformity of the patella and severe anterior knee pain.
Question 5: Professional Practice (Modalities)
A physiotherapist plans to use therapeutic ultrasound to treat a patient with chronic biceps tendonitis. Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of ultrasound over the treatment area?
- Metal implant in the humerus
- Patient has a cardiac pacemaker
- Over a suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the calf
- Application over the anterior aspect of the upper arm
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While the treatment is for the arm, the presence of a cardiac pacemaker is a contraindication for applying therapeutic ultrasound in any area where the sound waves could interfere with the pacemaker’s function. This includes the shoulder, chest, and upper arm area. The electromagnetic field generated can potentially alter the pacemaker’s programmed settings. The other options are not contraindications for this specific treatment area.
Why other options are incorrect:
A: Metal implants are not a contraindication for ultrasound, as the waves do not concentrate around metal in the way that diathermy does.
C: A DVT is a major contraindication, but it is in the calf, which is distant from the treatment area (upper arm).
D: This is the intended treatment area and is not a contraindication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the DHA Physio Exam
The exam is graded as Pass/Fail. The official passing percentage is not published by the DHA, but the accepted benchmark is typically around 60%. To be confident, you should aim to consistently score above 65-70% on high-quality practice exams.
The DHA Physiotherapy exam usually consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The allotted time is typically 165 minutes. This gives you just over one minute per question, making time management a critical skill to develop during your practice.
Yes, you are expected to understand the principles behind major manual therapy concepts. For example, you should know the Maitland grades of mobilization (I-V) and when to apply them (e.g., Grades I-II for pain relief, Grades III-IV for increasing mobility). You don’t need to be a certified expert, but you must know the basics.
Understanding the principles of evidence-based practice is very important. You might encounter questions that require you to identify the best type of research study (e.g., Randomized Controlled Trial) for a particular clinical question or interpret basic statistical concepts. Adherence to best practices is a core value, as promoted by bodies like the World Physiotherapy organization.
PSV stands for Primary Source Verification. After you pass the exam and receive an eligibility letter, an independent company called DataFlow will verify the authenticity of your educational degrees, licenses, and work experience directly from the issuing institutions. This is a mandatory step before your DHA license can be activated.
No, the DHA Prometric exams do not have negative marking. It is always better to make an educated guess than to leave a question unanswered. Use the process of elimination to increase your chances of selecting the correct option.
Candidates are usually given three attempts to pass the DHA exam. If you are unsuccessful after three attempts, you might be required to undertake a period of additional clinical training or an internship before being allowed to re-apply. Always verify the latest rules on the official DHA website.
Both are critical, but musculoskeletal physiotherapy generally represents the largest portion of the exam, reflecting its prevalence in general physiotherapy practice. You should build a very strong foundation in MSK assessment and treatment, followed closely by neurological physiotherapy.
Yes, to an extent. You should know the generally accepted parameters and their purpose. For example, you should know that conventional TENS for pain relief uses a high frequency (e.g., 80-120 Hz) and low pulse duration, while ultrasound for chronic conditions would use a continuous duty cycle for its thermal effects.
The final week should not be for learning new material. Focus on light review of your notes, especially on “must-know” topics like red flags, spinal cord injury levels, and special tests. Do one or two full-length timed mock exams to polish your pacing. Ensure you get adequate sleep, manage stress, and on the day before the exam, relax and do not cram.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Physiotherapy Career in Dubai
The DHA physiotherapy exam is a challenging but achievable milestone for any well-prepared candidate. The key to success is an active study strategy centered on high-quality, case-based MCQs. By using these sample questions to understand the exam’s style and to identify your own areas for improvement, you can focus your preparation effectively. Consistently practice, master the core concepts, and you will be fully equipped to pass the exam and embark on a rewarding physiotherapy career in Dubai’s dynamic healthcare landscape.
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