In the walk and turn test, what does starting too soon indicate?

In the context of the walk and turn test, starting too soon indicates a lack of adherence to the specific instructions provided for the test. The test is designed to assess an individual's ability to follow directions and maintain balance while executing a simple physical task. When a participant begins walking before receiving clear instructions or before the proper cue, it demonstrates an inability to wait and could suggest impairment or a lack of focus.

This behavior can reflect an overall inability to perform the task as instructed, which is a key part of what the test is measuring. Following directions accurately is essential for the validity of the test, and starting too soon can compromise those results. Thus, the correct interpretation of this behavior is that it shows an overt indication of not following the proper protocol of the test fundamentally.