The University of West Alabama





Athletic Training & Sports Medicine Center

AH 323 Evaluation of Athletic Injuries I Laboratory
HEAD INJURY Coordination Tests DEMONSTRATIONS

 

COORDINATION TESTS

SKILL

TESTING PROCEDURE

MATERIALS NEEDED

SPECIAL NOTES

MOUSE OVER PICTURE TO VIEW MOVIE

Finger-to-nose test
  1. Pt. stands/sits with eyes open & is asked to bring index finger to nose

  2. Repeat with eyes closed

  3. Both arms tested several times with increasing speed

  4. Should be easy, smooth, & quick

     
Finger-thumb test
  1. Ask pt. to touch each finger with thumb of same hand

  2. Normal side tested first, then injured side

  3. Compare for coordination & timing

     
Hand flip test
  1. Ask pt. to touch back of opposite, stationary hand with anterior fingers

  2. “Flip” test hand over, & touch opposite hand w posterior fingers

  3. Several repeats, testing both sides

  4. Compare 2 sides coordination/speed

     
Finger drumming test
  1. Ask pt. to drum index & middle finger of 1 hand up & down as quickly as possible on back of other hand

  2. Repeat with opposite hand

  3. Compare 2 sides coordination/speed

     
Hand-thigh test
  1. Ask pt. to pat thigh with hand as quickly as possible on uninjured side 1st

  2. To make more complex ask pt. to supinate & pronate hand between each hand-thigh contact

  3. Compare 2 sides coordination/speed

     
Past pointing test
  1. Pt. & examiner face each other

  2. Examiner holds up both index fingers 6” apart

  3. Ask pt. to lift arms overhead & then bring down to touch examiner’s index fingers

  4. Repeat with eyes closed

  5. Normally, no problem

  6. Pts. with vestibular disease have problems with past pointing

  May also be used for proprioception  
Heel-to-knee test
  1. Patient lies supine, eyes open

  2. Pt. touches opposite knee with heel & then slides down that shin

  3. Repeat w eyes closed, both legs

  4. Repeat several times, increase speed

  5. Note coordination differences, tremor

     

Last Updated: Tuesday, January 20, 2009

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