# NPTE Study Tips for Open vs Closed Packed Positions and Which Is More Important

Master NPTE musculoskeletal questions by understanding open vs closed packed joint positions with clear tips and exam strategies.

Source: https://hsesvfc.shop/npte-study-tips/ · 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

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## Key takeaways

- Open packed position allows maximum joint play and is also called loose packed position
- Closed packed position has maximum joint congruency and ligament tension providing joint stability
- Recognizing open vs closed packed positions is crucial for answering NPTE musculoskeletal questions
- Open packed positions are often used in joint mobilizations to increase mobility
- Closed packed positions are typically used for joint stability and locking during weight-bearing

Understanding the difference between open packed and closed packed positions is essential for effective NPTE study preparation, especially for the musculoskeletal section. NPTE study tips for these joint positions focus on recognizing when a joint is in its most mobile state (open packed) versus its most stable state (closed packed). Knowing these concepts helps you answer NPTE-style questions more accurately and efficiently.

## What Are Open Packed Positions in Physical Therapy
Open packed positions, also known as loose packed positions, occur when a joint has the greatest amount of available joint play or laxity. In this position, the articular surfaces are not tightly congruent, allowing for maximum accessory movement. For example, the glenohumeral joint is in an open packed position when the arm is abducted about 55 degrees and slightly externally rotated. Open packed positions are clinically significant because they are used during joint mobilizations to increase joint mobility.

## Characteristics of Closed Packed Positions
Closed packed positions represent the joint position in which the articular surfaces have maximum congruency, ligaments are maximally taut, and the joint is most stable. This position often corresponds to the end range of motion. For instance, full knee extension is the closed packed position of the tibiofemoral joint. In closed packed positions, there is minimal joint play, and the joint is less susceptible to injury due to increased stability.

Video: [NPTE Study Tips | Open vs Closed Packed Positions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d_qkd1YozY)

## Key Differences Between Open and Closed Packed Positions for NPTE
The NPTE often tests your knowledge of these positions by asking which joint position allows more movement or which position provides greater stability. Key differences include:

1. Open packed positions allow maximal accessory movement; closed packed positions have minimal accessory movement.
2. Open packed positions have less ligament tension; closed packed positions have maximal ligament tension.
3. Open packed positions are used for joint mobilization treatments; closed packed positions are typically weight-bearing or functional stances.
4. Open packed positions are more vulnerable to injury due to laxity; closed packed positions protect the joint through stability.

Understanding these differences helps you quickly identify the correct answers in NPTE musculoskeletal questions.

## Applying Open vs Closed Packed Positions to NPTE Musculoskeletal Questions
Many NPTE orthopedic questions require you to relate joint positioning to clinical scenarios. For example, if a question describes a joint with increased accessory motion or laxity, it likely refers to an open packed position. Conversely, questions about joint stability or positions that resist joint displacement indicate closed packed positions. Recognizing the terminology — such as “maximum congruency,” “ligament tautness,” “joint play,” or “end range of motion” — will clue you into the concepts needed to answer correctly.

## NPTE Test-Taking Strategies for Open vs Closed Packed Position Questions
To improve your accuracy on these topics, follow these tips:

- Memorize common open and closed packed positions for major joints (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle).
- Identify key terms in questions like “maximum joint play,” “ligament tension,” and “joint stability.”
- Use elimination by contrasting positions that increase mobility versus those that increase stability.
- Practice with NPTE-style musculoskeletal questions focusing on joint positioning.

## Summary and Final Thoughts
Mastering open versus closed packed positions is a foundational skill for the NPTE musculoskeletal section. Open packed positions allow maximum joint play and are important for mobilization techniques, while closed packed positions provide maximum stability at the end range of motion. Recognizing these positions and their characteristics will help you confidently answer related NPTE questions. The channel Typical PT offers valuable detailed explanations and practice materials to reinforce these concepts and enhance your NPTE exam preparation.

## Questions & answers

**What is the open packed position and why is it important for NPTE?**

The open packed position, also called loose packed, is when a joint has maximum accessory movement and minimal ligament tension. It is important for NPTE because it is commonly used in joint mobilizations and appears frequently in musculoskeletal questions.

**How does the closed packed position differ from the open packed position?**

Closed packed position is when joint surfaces are maximally congruent, ligaments are taut, and the joint is most stable, usually at end range of motion. Unlike the open packed position, it has minimal joint play and protects the joint during weight-bearing.

**How can I identify open vs closed packed positions on the NPTE?**

Look for keywords like 'maximum joint play' or 'laxity' indicating open packed, and 'maximum congruency,' 'ligament tautness,' or 'joint stability' indicating closed packed. Knowing typical joint positions for each state also helps in answering questions.

**Why are open and closed packed positions tested on the NPTE?**

These positions are fundamental concepts in physical therapy related to joint mechanics, stability, and mobility. Understanding them is crucial for clinical decision making and commonly tested in NPTE musculoskeletal and orthopedic exam sections.