Thoracic insufficiency syndrome

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Tandem gait is a method of locomotion (walking) where the toes of the back foot touch the heel of the front foot at each step. This type of gait is used in sobriety tests, and can also be used to identify certain types of neurological disorders, such as ataxia or problems with proprioception.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Tandem gait is a physical examination that involves the patient walking in a straight line in a heel-to-toe manner. The test is used to assess balance and coordination, and is often used in neurological examinations to identify any abnormalities in the way a person walks.

Medical Uses[edit | edit source]

Tandem gait is used in medical examinations to identify a variety of conditions. It is often used in sobriety tests, as a person who is under the influence of alcohol or other substances may have difficulty maintaining balance and coordination.

In addition to its use in sobriety tests, tandem gait is also used to identify neurological disorders. For example, a person with ataxia, a condition that affects balance and coordination, may have difficulty with tandem gait. Similarly, a person with problems with proprioception, or the sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body, may also struggle with tandem gait.

Limitations[edit | edit source]

While tandem gait is a useful tool in identifying certain conditions, it is not without its limitations. For example, a person's ability to perform tandem gait can be affected by age, general physical condition, and even the type of footwear they are wearing. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors when interpreting the results of a tandem gait test.

See Also[edit | edit source]


Thoracic insufficiency syndrome Resources

Find a healthcare provider anywhere in the world quickly and easily!

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD