In the ECT method, how is the tapping sequence performed on the isolated column?

• A. Shoulder
• B. Elbow
• C. Wrist/level, then Elbow, then Shoulder
• D. Wrist, Shoulder, Elbow

Answer: (C)

Begin at the farthest point and work toward the near end. In this tapping sequence, starting at the wrist/level, then moving to the elbow, and finally to the shoulder lets you establish a baseline for the distal segment and observe how the signal evolves as you progress proximally. With the column isolated, this distal‑to‑proximal order minimizes interference from the upper segments on the lower ones and reduces cross‑talk, so each tap’s response can be attributed more confidently to the segment you’re testing. As you advance, you can compare responses from each segment and localize any anomaly along the length. Starting proximally first would make it harder to separate the contributions of distal parts because the signal would have to travel through those parts anyway, complicating interpretation.