Which maneuver is used to assess coordination?

Which maneuver is used to assess coordination?

• A. Dorsiflexing the ankle
• B. Walking heel-to-toe in a straight line
• C. Counting backwards
• D. Squeezing the examiner's fingers

Answer: (B)

Coordination is assessed by tasks that require smooth, precise, multi-joint movements coordinated by the cerebellum. Walking heel-to-toe in a straight line specifically challenges this coordination: it requires precise timing and placement of each step, plus balance, so any cerebellar dysfunction shows up as instability, slurring of gait, or veering off the line. Dorsiflexing the ankle is mainly a simple motor strength/jerk test of a single joint, not a coordinated sequence. Counting backwards is a cognitive task testing attention and working memory, not movement coordination. Squeezing the examiner’s fingers assesses grip strength and basic hand function rather than the integrated, timed movements the cerebellum uses to coordinate walking in a straight line.

Coordination is assessed by tasks that require smooth, precise, multi-joint movements coordinated by the cerebellum. Walking heel-to-toe in a straight line specifically challenges this coordination: it requires precise timing and placement of each step, plus balance, so any cerebellar dysfunction shows up as instability, slurring of gait, or veering off the line. Dorsiflexing the ankle is mainly a simple motor strength/jerk test of a single joint, not a coordinated sequence. Counting backwards is a cognitive task testing attention and working memory, not movement coordination. Squeezing the examiner’s fingers assesses grip strength and basic hand function rather than the integrated, timed movements the cerebellum uses to coordinate walking in a straight line.