What is a critical instruction given to subjects during the Walk-and-Turn test?

The critical instruction during the Walk-and-Turn test is to keep their arms at their sides and take heel-to-toe steps. This instruction is essential because it helps to assess the subject’s balance, coordination, and ability to follow directions. By requiring the participant to walk in a straight line with their feet placed heel-to-toe and their arms down, the test specifically evaluates their physical control and their capacity to maintain stability while performing a task under observation.

The other options, while they may involve aspects of balance or movement, do not directly contribute to the core evaluation criteria of the Walk-and-Turn test. For example, standing with feet apart would not effectively measure the participant’s balance as heel-to-toe positioning does, and closing their eyes would not allow for observation of their coordination and balance in relation to the external environment. Turning around in place could also interfere with the consistency and effectiveness of the assessment of their walking pattern. Thus, the emphasis on heel-to-toe steps with arms at the sides is crucial for accurate evaluation in the context of impairment assessment.