Lab 6.3 Neuromotor Capacity - Sharpened Romberg Test
Lab 6.3 Neuromotor Capacity - Sharpened Romberg Test
3: Neuromotor Capacity:
Sharpened Romberg
Test
Purpose
The Sharpened Romberg Test assesses static balance. You will stand with a reduced
base of support and close your eyes to remove visual sensory information.
Equipment
A warm-up is not necessary for this test. Dress comfortably, and wear socks if desired.
Instructions
1. Remove your shoes and stand with one foot directly in front of the other (i.e.,
heel-to-toe).
2. With your eyes open, fold your arms across your chest, touching each hand to
the opposite shoulder.
3. Once you feel stable, close your eyes and notify your partner (who has the
stopwatch) to begin the test.
4. The test continues for 60 seconds or is stopped sooner if any of the following
occurs:
You lose postural control or balance.
Your feet move off the floor.
Your eyes open.
Your arms come uncrossed.
5. Record the best performance on each side (that is, with each foot forward). Allow
up to three trials for each side.
In keeping with the theme of lifelong fitness and wellness, we have given you space to set a goal
for the next 12-week period. Ideally, at the end of that time, you would reevaluate and set
another goal.
Find your result in the norms table for the Sharpened Romberg Test.
1.
2.
3.
Consider the changes you need to make in order to positively influence your results. What
might be a realistic goal for the next 12 weeks? For example, you might move from the bottom
of one zone to the top of that same zone, or from one color to another.
See the Functional Movement Training section that appears after chapter 6. Note the
neuromotor exercise suggestions in which destabilization is encouraged in order to promote
improved balance and proprioception. Consider integrating some of these movements into your
fitness routine to improve your neuromotor fitness and balance.
Set a SMART goal for improving your balance over the next 12 weeks.
SMART Goal
Use the following checklist to ensure that you have written a SMART goal.
Specific: ☐
Measurable: ☐
Attainable: ☐
Relevant: ☐
Time bound: ☐