LAB 6.

3: Neuromotor Capacity: Sharpened

Romberg
Test

Name ____________________________________________ Section __________ Date _______

(print, first and last)

Purpose

The Sharpened Romberg Test assesses static balance. You will stand with a reduced
base of support and close your eyes to remove visual sensory information.

Video

Watch the video for this lab’s instructions and a demonstration of the Sharpened Romberg Test.

Equipment

 Flat, nonslip surface to stand on

 Stopwatch
 Partner to time you

Preparing for the Lab

A warm-up is not necessary for this test. Dress comfortably, and wear socks if desired.

1
From C.K. Armbruster, E.M. Evans, and C.M. Laughlin, Fitness and Wellness: A Way of Life HKPropel Access. (Champaign, IL:
Human Kinetics, 2019).
Instructions

1. Remove your shoes and stand with one foot directly in front of the other (i.e., heel-to-
toe).
2. With your eyes open, fold your arms across your chest, touching each hand to the
opposite shoulder.
3. Once you feel stable, close your eyes and notify your partner (who has the stopwatch) to
begin the test.
4. The test continues for 60 seconds or is stopped sooner if any of the following occurs:
 You lose postural control or balance.
 Your feet move off the floor.
 Your eyes open.
 Your arms come uncrossed.
5. Record the best performance on each side (that is, with each foot forward). Allow up to
three trials for each side.

Recording Your Results

Record your time in seconds here:

Right leg in front: ___________ Left leg in front: ___________

Which color zone are you in? _____________

Rating Yellow Blue Orange

Male or Female ≥ 60 seconds 31-59 seconds ≤ 30 seconds

Setting Quarterly Goals

In keeping with the theme of lifelong fitness and wellness, we have given you space to set four
goals over the course of a year. You’ll set each goal for a 12-week period and have 1 week to
reevaluate and set a new goal.

2
From C.K. Armbruster, E.M. Evans, and C.M. Laughlin, Fitness and Wellness: A Way of Life HKPropel Access. (Champaign, IL:
Human Kinetics, 2019).
 First 12 Weeks: ____________ to ____________
(month/day/year) (month/day/year)

Find your result in the norms table for the Sharpened Romberg Test.

 Which color zone are you in? _____________

 Which zone would you like to be in or work toward? _____________
 What are the top three changes you feel you can make that will exert a positive effect
on your results?

1.
2.
3.

Consider the changes you need to make in order to positively influence your results. What
might be a realistic goal for the next 12 weeks? For example, you might move from the bottom
of one zone to the top of that same zone, or from one color to another.

See the Functional Movement Training section that appears after chapter 6. Note the
neuromotor exercise suggestions in which destabilization is encouraged in order to promote
improved balance and proprioception. Consider integrating some of these movements into your
fitness routine to improve your neuromotor fitness and balance.

Set a SMART goal for improving your balance over the next 12 weeks.

SMART Goal

Enter your SMART goal here.

Use the following checklist to ensure that you have written a SMART goal.

Specific: ☐
Measurable: ☐
Attainable: ☐
Relevant: ☐
Time bound: ☐
3
From C.K. Armbruster, E.M. Evans, and C.M. Laughlin, Fitness and Wellness: A Way of Life HKPropel Access. (Champaign, IL:
Human Kinetics, 2019).
 Second 12 Weeks: ____________ to ____________
(month/day/year) (month/day/year)

Test yourself again with the Sharpened Romberg test and find your result in the norms table.

 Which color zone are you in? _____________

 Which zone would you like to be in or work toward? _____________
 What are the top three changes you feel you can make that will exert a positive effect
on your results?

1.
2.
3.

Consider the changes you need to make in order to positively influence your results. What
might be a realistic goal for the next 12 weeks? For example, you might move from the bottom
of one zone to the top of that same zone, or from one color to another.

See the Functional Movement Training section that appears after chapter 6. Note the
neuromotor exercise suggestions in which destabilization is encouraged in order to promote
improved balance and proprioception. Consider integrating some of these movements into your
fitness routine to improve your neuromotor fitness and balance.

Set a SMART goal for improving your balance over the next 12 weeks.

SMART Goal

Enter your SMART goal here.

Use the following checklist to ensure that you have written a SMART goal.

Specific: ☐
Measurable: ☐
Attainable: ☐
Relevant: ☐
Time bound: ☐

4
From C.K. Armbruster, E.M. Evans, and C.M. Laughlin, Fitness and Wellness: A Way of Life HKPropel Access. (Champaign, IL:
Human Kinetics, 2019).
 Third 12 Weeks: ____________ to ____________
(month/day/year) (month/day/year)

Test yourself again with the Sharpened Romberg test and find your result in the norms table.

 Which color zone are you in? _____________

 Which zone would you like to be in or work toward? _____________
 What are the top three changes you feel you can make that will exert a positive effect
on your results?

1.
2.
3.

Consider the changes you need to make in order to positively influence your results. What
might be a realistic goal for the next 12 weeks? For example, you might move from the bottom
of one zone to the top of that same zone, or from one color to another.

See the Functional Movement Training section that appears after chapter 6. Note the
neuromotor exercise suggestions in which destabilization is encouraged in order to promote
improved balance and proprioception. Consider integrating some of these movements into your
fitness routine to improve your neuromotor fitness and balance.

Set a SMART goal for improving your balance over the next 12 weeks.

SMART Goal

Enter your SMART goal here.

Use the following checklist to ensure that you have written a SMART goal.

Specific: ☐
Measurable: ☐
Attainable: ☐
Relevant: ☐
Time bound: ☐

5
From C.K. Armbruster, E.M. Evans, and C.M. Laughlin, Fitness and Wellness: A Way of Life HKPropel Access. (Champaign, IL:
Human Kinetics, 2019).
 Fourth 12 Weeks: ____________ to ____________
(month/day/year) (month/day/year)

Test yourself again with the Sharpened Romberg test and find your result in the norms table.

 Which color zone are you in? _____________

 Which zone would you like to be in or work toward? _____________
 What are the top three changes you feel you can make that will exert a positive effect
on your results?

1.
2.
3.

Consider the changes you need to make in order to positively influence your results. What
might be a realistic goal for the next 12 weeks? For example, you might move from the bottom
of one zone to the top of that same zone, or from one color to another.

See the Functional Movement Training section that appears after chapter 6. Note the
neuromotor exercise suggestions in which destabilization is encouraged in order to promote
improved balance and proprioception. Consider integrating some of these movements into your
fitness routine to improve your neuromotor fitness and balance.

Set a SMART goal for improving your balance over the next 12 weeks.

SMART Goal

Enter your SMART goal here.

Use the following checklist to ensure that you have written a SMART goal.

Specific: ☐
Measurable: ☐
Attainable: ☐
Relevant: ☐
Time bound: ☐

6
From C.K. Armbruster, E.M. Evans, and C.M. Laughlin, Fitness and Wellness: A Way of Life HKPropel Access. (Champaign, IL:
Human Kinetics, 2019).