Coordination and Gait

Rapid Alternating Movements

1. Ask the patient to strike one hand on the thigh, raise the hand, turn it over, and then strike it back down as fast as possible.

2. Ask the patient to tap the distal thumb with the tip of the index finger as fast as possible.

3. Ask the patient to tap your hand with the ball of each foot as fast as possible.

Point-to-Point Movements

1. Ask the patient to touch your index finger and their nose alternately several times. Move your finger about as the patient performs this task.

2. Hold your finger still so that the patient can touch it with one arm and finger outstretched. Ask the patient to move their arm and return to your finger with their eyes closed.

3. Ask the patient to place one heel on the opposite knee and run it down the shin to the big toe. Repeat with the patient's eyes closed.

Romberg

1. Be prepared to catch the patient if they are unstable.

2. Ask the patient to stand with the feet together and eyes closed for 5-10 seconds without support.

3. The test is said to be positive if the patient becomes unstable (indicating a vestibular or proprioceptive problem).

Gait

Ask the patient to:

1. Walk across the room, turn and come back

2. Walk heel-to-toe in a straight line

3. Walk on their toes in a straight line

4. Walk on their heels in a straight line

5. Hop in place on each foot

6. Do a shallow knee bend

7. Rise from a sitting position

Category: Medicine Notes