Final answer:
Slap gait is a gait abnormality diagnosed by observing a patient's walk, including having them perform specific walking tests to assess their balance and check for ataxia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Slap gait is a gait abnormality that can be diagnosed by observing the patient walk. When conducting subtests of walking, the examiner begins by having the patient walk normally for a distance, then turn and return to the starting position.
The examiner will observe for abnormal placement of the feet and arm movements. Patients may also be asked to perform a tandem gait, where they walk in a straight line with the heel of one foot touching the toe of the other foot, and to walk only on their heels or only on their toes to test for additional aspects of balance and reveal possible ataxia.