Nonequilibrium Coordination Tests Flashcards
Finger-to-PT’s finger
Pt. and PT sit opposite e/o
PT’s index finger held in front of the Pt.
Pt. asked to touch tip of index finger to the PT’s index finger
PT can move position of index finger to observe ability to change distance, direction, and F of movement
Finger-to-finger
Both shoulder abducted to 90 degrees w/ elbows extended
Pt. asked to bring both hands to midline and approximate the index fingers from opposing hands
Alternate nose-to-finger
Pt. alternately touches the tip of his or her nose and the tip of the PT’s finger w/ the index finger
Position of PT finger may be altered during testing to observe ability to change distance, direction, and F of movement
Finger opposition
Pt. touches tip of thumb to tip of each finger in sequence
Speed may be gradually increased
Mass grasp
Alternation is made between opening and closing fist (from finger flexion to full extension)
Speed may be gradually increased
Pronation/supination
Elbows flexed to 90 degrees and held close to body, Pt. alternately turns palms up and down
May be performed with shoulders flexed to 90 degrees and elbow extended
Speed may be gradually increased
Ability to reverse movements between opposing muscle groups can be examined at many joints
Ex: active alternation between flex/ext of knee, ankle, elbow, or fingers
Rebound test
Pt. positioned w/ elbows flexed
PT applies manual R to produce isometric contraction of biceps - R suddenly released
Opposing muscle group (triceps) will contract to “check” movement of limb
Can be tested on shoulder abductors or flexors and elbow extensors
Tapping (hand)
W/ elbow flexed and forearm pronated, Pt. asked to “tap” hand on knee
Tapping (foot)
Pt. asked to “tap” ball of one foot on floor w/o raising knee; heel maintains contact w/ floor
Pointing and past pointing
Pt. and PT opposite e/o, sitting or standing
Pt. and PT bring shoulders to horizontal position of 90 degrees of flexion w/ elbows extended; index fingers are touching or Pt.’s finger may rest lightly on PT’s
Pt. asked to fully flex shoulder (fingers pointed toward ceiling) and return to horizontal position so that index fingers approximate
Both arms tested, separately or simultaneously
Normal response: accurate return to starting position
Abnormal response: “past pointing,” or movement beyond target
Variations: movements in other directions, toward 90 degrees of shoulder abduction or toward 0 degrees of shoulder flexion (finger will point toward floor)
After each movement, Pt. asked to return to initial horizontal starting position
Alternate heel-to-knee; heel-to-toe
From a supine position, Pt. asked to touch knee and big toe alternately w/ heel of opposite extremity
Toe to examiner’s finger
From supine position, Pt. instructed to touch great toe to examiner’s finger
Position of finger may be altered during testing to observe ability to change distance, direction, and F of movement
Heel on shin
From supine position, heel of one foot slid up and down shin of opposite LE
Drawing a circle
Pt. draws an imaginary circle in the air w/ either UE or LE (table or floor may also be used)
May also be done using a figure-eight pattern
May be performed in the supine position for the LE
Fixation or position holding
UE: Pt. holds arms horizontally in front (sitting or standing)
LE: Pt. asked to hold knee in extended position (sitting)
