Which test involves walking heel-to-toe in a straight line?

• A. Walk and turn
• B. Romberg test
• C. Finger-to-nose
• D. One-leg stand

Answer: (A)

Testing balance and coordinated gait, this item focuses on whether a person can maintain a straight-line walk while following instructions. The walk-and-turn test requires you to place heel to toe along a straight line, walk a number of steps, then turn and return in the same manner. This setup specifically challenges precision in gait and the ability to divide attention between instruction-following and maintaining balance, which makes it the best choice for detecting impairment affecting motor control and coordination.

The Romberg test, by contrast, checks static balance with feet together and eyes closed to assess proprioception and vestibular function. Finger-to-nose evaluates coordination of the upper limbs and cerebellar function, not walking. The one-leg stand measures balance on one leg in a static pose, also not involving walking in a straight line.