Final answer:
Tests and measures of neuromotor development and sensory integration include the assessment of proprioception through tests such as the Romberg test. They also assess other somatic senses, which can indicate spinal cord damage or deficits in sensory pathways.
Step-by-step explanation:
\Neuromotor Development and Sensory Integration Tests
Tests and measures of neuromotor development and sensory integration assess various aspects including proprioception. A well-known test focusing on proprioception is the Romberg test. The procedure for the Romberg test involves asking the patient to stand with feet together and arms by their side, then close their eyes. This challenges the patient to maintain balance without visual cues, relying solely on proprioceptive feedback and inner ear information. The Romberg test can reveal deficiencies in the dorsal column-medial lemniscal pathway (proprioception pathway), as well as issues in the spinocerebellar tract's proprioceptive signals to the cerebellum.
Another key part of the sensory evaluation is the subtests that assess other somatic senses such as touch, temperature, vibration, and pain. These tests can pinpoint potential spinal cord damage, whether in gray matter, white matter, or connections to the cerebral cortex.
The neurological exam also encompasses examinations like the coordination exam, which includes subtests that gauge the ability to perform complex, coordinated movements, highlighting the connection between sensory perception, motor control, and cerebellar function.