Which medical conditions can affect the performance of the SFST?

The performance of the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) can be significantly affected by medical conditions that impact a person's balance and coordination. Inner ear disorders can disrupt equilibrium, as the inner ear plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. Neurological conditions may impair motor skills, response times, and cognitive processing, all of which are vital for completing the tasks in the SFST. Additionally, injuries that affect stability, such as sprains or fractures, can hinder a person's ability to walk a straight line or maintain balance during the tests.

In contrast, while vision disorders may seem relevant, they are less directly impactful on the specific tasks measured by the SFST compared to the balance and coordination issues that inner ear and neurological conditions cause. This highlights the importance of selecting medical conditions that directly impair the physical and cognitive abilities necessary for performing the tasks required in the SFST.