Importantly, the motor exam compares the muscle status of one side of the body to the other. The integrity of the motor system, as well as some related aspects of the sensory system, can be ascertained by the evaluation of the patient's gait, station and balance.
Cerebellar function is assessed by various tests of coordination, dexterity and balance.
Muscles are assessed for their bulk, strength and tone in the proximal and distal muscles of upper and lower extremities. Strength of fingers, hand and wrist are measured. More proximal muscle strength is evaluated against resistance by flexion and extension of the forearm, abducting, adducting and shrugging the shoulders. Dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot, extension and flexion at the elbow, knee and hip, are also measured against resistance.