A review of the sharpened Romberg test in diving medicine

The use of the sharpened Romberg test (SRT) was evaluated in injured divers. Over a 12 month period, thirty five divers presenting with decompression illness (DCI) to the Naval Base in Auckland were assessed before hyperbaric treatment and at discharge. Their scores were compared with those of an age and sex matched control group (n=60). Abnormal SRTs were seen in 49% of divers (n=17) before treatment. These results were significantly improved at discharge (p<0.001). The results in injured divers were significantly lower than controls at presentation (p<0.001), but not at discharge. The SRT is consequently considered to be a valuable examination in divers who suffer DCI. It is proposed that the SRT be conducted in a standardised manner and be scored as the best attempt of four.