Comparison of Motion Strategies in the Functional Reach Test between Elderly Persons and Young Persons

Abstract

Evaluation of motion strategy during FRT is not generally included in physical assessment aiming at rehabilitation and promotion of good health. We believe that measuring only reach distance during FRT is insufficient for evaluating gait; therefore, examining motion strategy during FRT is also necessary. [Subjects] The subjects were 83 healthy university students (46 men and 37 women; range, 19-21 years), and 128 elderly persons (42 men and 86 women; range, 70-87 years). [Methods] We investigated and compared the motion strategy during FRT in both the young and elderly subjects and examined the influence of aging on motion strategy. [Results] Elderly persons used patterns of movement with ankle plantar flexion more often than the young persons. [Conclusion] The ankle plantar flexion pattern was dominant among the elderly subjects because the center of gravity in FRT was located within the base of support. We would like to use FRT as an index for fall prevention. To do that, we would need to devise a method to measure the ability to control the body in the situation in which center of gravity starts deviating from the base of support.

Range of motion, muscle length, and balance performance in older adults with normal, pronated, and supinated feet

“…Balance performance was measured using the functional reach test (FRT) 16 ) . The researchers chose the FRT as it demonstrates the maximal distance a person can reach forward beyond arm’s length while maintaining a fixed based of support in standing position; the FRT also serves as an index of fall risk 17 ) . Participants were instructed to stand with their feet shoulder distance apart, make a fist, and raise their arm to be parallel with the floor.…”

Movement patterns of the functional reach test do not reflect physical function in healthy young and older participants

“…Concerning the studies that performed movement strategies used during the FRT, Takasaki et al [ 14 ] used a video camera, while Waroquier–Leroy et al [ 15 ] and Wernick–Robinson et al [ 16 ] have used a force plate and a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Takasaki et al [ 14 ] and Wernick–Robinson et al [ 16 ] have classified movement strategies during the FRT based on ankle and hip movements, whereas Waroquier–Leroy et al [ 15 ] used cluster analysis to divide two similar groups. These studies demonstrated the importance of the ankle and hip movements, but the relationship between the FRT values and the COPE was not examined.…”