Final answer:
The Romberg test assesses equilibrium by having the patient stand with feet together and eyes closed, relying on proprioceptive and vestibular inputs for balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The motor testing being performed when the patient stands with eyes closed and feet close together is known as the Romberg test. This test is part of the neurological examination used to assess equilibrium and proprioception. It helps in identifying deficits in the dorsal column pathway proprioception, issues with proprioceptive projections to the cerebellum, and assessing the coordination of proprioceptive, vestibular, and visual inputs.
The Romberg test requires the patient to stand with feet together and then close their eyes. Without visual cues, the individual must depend on proprioceptive and vestibular inputs to maintain balance. Difficulty in maintaining balance with eyes closed points to problems in these systems. This contrasts with the subtest called station, where the patient's eyes remain open, and balance during movement is assessed.