Tandem gait is part of the neurological examination and is used to assess the gait pattern.
Performance
During tandem gait, the patient is asked to place one foot directly in front of the other along an imaginary line, as if walking on a tightrope. The test can be performed with the eyes closed or open.
Interpretation
Tandem gait is used to assess the gait pattern. Patients with balance disorders or Ataxia are often unable to perform this test safely. The result can be quantified, for example, by counting the number of missteps taken over a specified distance.