Romberg Test
(Redirected from Rhomberg Test)
Other Names
- Romberg's Sign
- Romberg's Test
- Romberg's Maneuver
- Romberg Sign
- Romberg Balance Test
- Postural Stability Test
Purpose
- Evaluate neurological function for balance, sensory ataxia
- Test is based on principle that you need 2/3 sensory input to maintain balance: proprioception, vestibular function, vision
Description
- The patient is standing, two feet together, arms at patients side or crossed in front of body
- The patient initially stands with eyes open while examiner observes balance
- The patient is asked to close eyes, removing vision as a sensory input while the patient attempts to maintain balance
- Note examiner should be near patient to protect them from falling
- Positive Test:
- Patient unable to maintain balance and is going to fall
- Note, swaying is not pathologic
Modification
- Can be performed using foam pads or single leg stance to better assess balance
Pathology
- Central causes of ataxia
- Cervical Myelopathy
Evidence
- Overall, including multiple conditions and versions of the test[3][4]
- Sensitivity: 55–63%
- Specificity: 58–90%
See Also
References
- ↑ Chun, Hye-Lim, and Byoung-Hee Lee. "The immediate effects of foot pressure based insole on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, postural sway, and muscle activation in healthy adults with genu varum." Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science 7.4 (2018): 164-171.
- ↑ Kim, Angela Yun, et al. "Is postural dysfunction related to sarcopenia? A population-based study." PLoS One 15.5 (2020): e0232135.
- ↑ Jacobson, Gary P., et al. "Insensitivity of the “Romberg test of standing balance on firm and compliant support surfaces” to the results of caloric and VEMP tests." Ear and Hearing 32.6 (2011): e1-e5.
- ↑ Johnson, Brian G., et al. "The sharpened Romberg test for assessing ataxia in mild acute mountain sickness." Wilderness & environmental medicine 16.2 (2005): 62-66.
Created by:
John Kiel on 8 August 2019 23:56:29
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Last edited:
13 April 2026 13:26:53
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