# 7 Essential NPTE Study Tips to Master Open vs Closed Packed Positions Master open vs closed packed positions with these 7 NPTE study tips to excel in musculoskeletal exam questions and boost your physical therapy board prep. Source: https://32001005sriilgg465.shop/7-essential-npte-study/ · based on the channel [Typical PT](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeu0qoaAiH89oarBdx4nR8A) · Video: [NPTE Study Tips | Open vs Closed Packed Positions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d_qkd1YozY) · 2026-10-08 ![7 Essential NPTE Study Tips to Master Open vs Closed Packed Positions](https://32001005sriilgg465.shop/7-essential-npte-study/7-essential-npte-study.webp) ## Key takeaways - Open packed position is also called loose packed position with greatest joint play. - Closed packed position features maximum joint congruency and ligament tension. - Recognizing joint positions helps answer NPTE musculoskeletal questions effectively. - Open and closed packed positions affect joint stability and mobility differently. - NPTE exam questions often test terminology and application of these concepts. ## Understand the Definition of Open Packed Position The open packed position, also known as the loose packed position, refers to a joint alignment where the joint surfaces are least congruent, allowing the greatest amount of joint play or mobility. This position is crucial for physical therapists to recognize because it is when the joint capsule and ligaments are most relaxed, thus permitting accessory movements such as glides and distractions. Most NPTE musculoskeletal questions ask you to identify the open packed position to assess joint mobility or during joint mobilization techniques. ## Recognize Characteristics of Closed Packed Position In contrast, the closed packed position is when joint surfaces have maximum congruency, resulting in the highest stability and the greatest ligamentous tension. When a joint is in this position, there is minimal joint play because the ligaments and capsule are taut. Closed packed positions are important in NPTE questions related to joint stability, injury mechanisms, and optimal load-bearing postures. You should be able to distinguish closed packed from open packed to understand when joints are most stable and least mobile. Video: [NPTE Study Tips | Open vs Closed Packed Positions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d_qkd1YozY) ## Compare Open vs Closed Packed Positions with Examples Knowing the key differences between open and closed packed positions is essential for NPTE success. For example, the knee’s closed packed position is full extension with external rotation, while its open packed position is 25 degrees of flexion. The shoulder’s closed packed position is abduction and external rotation, whereas the open packed position is 55 degrees abduction and 30 degrees horizontal adduction. These examples help in visualizing joint positions and answering NPTE questions on joint mechanics and pathologies. ## Apply Joint Position Concepts to NPTE Musculoskeletal Questions Many NPTE orthopedic questions test your ability to apply knowledge of joint positions clinically. For instance, understanding that joint mobilizations like distraction are best performed in open packed positions can help you select the correct treatment approach. Additionally, recognizing that joint locking and maximum ligament tension occur in closed packed positions aids in diagnosing joint injuries or instabilities. Mastery of these concepts improves your accuracy on exam questions about joint assessments and interventions. ## Use Terminology and Clues in NPTE Questions to Identify Positions NPTE questions often include terminology such as "maximum joint congruency," "ligament tautness," or "greatest joint play." Recognizing these phrases can immediately guide you to identify whether the question refers to an open or closed packed position. Practice interpreting these clues in study questions to enhance your test-taking strategy and reduce confusion during the exam. ## Incorporate Visual Aids and Practice Questions in Your Study In addition to conceptual understanding, use diagrams, videos, and practice NPTE questions to reinforce your knowledge. Visualizing joint positions and repeatedly testing yourself on scenarios where you must identify open or closed packed positions strengthens recall and application skills. Resources like Typical PT provide free materials that focus on these topics, which are invaluable for targeted musculoskeletal review. ## Review and Reinforce Through Consistent Practice Consistent review of joint position concepts and their clinical relevance is key to retention. Create flashcards with joint names, their open packed and closed packed positions, and related clinical facts. Revisit these regularly, alongside NPTE style questions, to build confidence and ensure readiness for the musculoskeletal section of the exam. ## Conclusion Understanding open and closed packed joint positions is fundamental for excelling in the NPTE musculoskeletal section. These 7 study tips—from defining the positions, comparing them with examples, applying concepts to clinical scenarios, to leveraging exam clues—will help you master this topic. The Typical PT channel offers clear explanations and useful resources that can deepen your understanding and improve your NPTE performance. With focused study and practice, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle joint position questions on your exam. ## Questions & answers **What is the open packed position and why is it important for the NPTE?** The open packed position, or loose packed position, is when joint surfaces are least congruent, allowing maximum joint play. It is important for NPTE because joint mobilizations and assessments often occur in this position. **How does the closed packed position differ from the open packed position?** The closed packed position features maximum joint congruency, ligament tension, and stability, with minimal joint play. It contrasts with the open packed position where the joint is more relaxed and mobile. **Can you give an example of a joint’s open and closed packed positions?** Yes, for the knee, the closed packed position is full extension with external rotation, and the open packed position is about 25 degrees of flexion. For the shoulder, closed packed is abduction and external rotation, open packed is 55 degrees abduction with 30 degrees horizontal adduction. **How can recognizing terminology help answer NPTE questions on joint positions?** NPTE questions often include clues like "maximum joint congruency" or "greatest joint play." Recognizing these terms helps you quickly identify whether the question refers to an open or closed packed position, improving accuracy.