Functional Reach: A New Clinical Measure of Balance

Abstract

A new clinically accessible measure of balance, functional reach (FR), is the difference between arm's length and maximal forward reach, using a fixed base of support. The purposes of this study were to (a) establish FR as a measure of the margin of stability versus the laboratory measure, center of pressure excursion (COPE); (b) test reliability and precision, and (c) determine factors that influence FR, including age and anthropometrics. We evaluated FR in 128 volunteers (age 21-87 years). FR was determined with a precise electronic device and a simple clinical apparatus (yardstick). FR correlates with COPE (Pearson r = .71) and is precise (coefficient of variation = 2.5%) and stable (intraclass correlation coefficient across days = .81). Age and height influence FR. FR is portable, inexpensive, reliable, precise, and a reasonable clinical approximator of the margin of stability. FR may be useful for detecting balance impairment, change in balance performance over time, and in the design of modified environments for impaired older persons.

Posturography using the Wii Balance Board™

“…Posturography assessments were performed barefoot, keeping the feet 20 cm apart in the WBB-based posturography system and placing their feet with the heels together and the toes separated, thus forming a V-shape, in the NedSVE/IBV system, as specified in the manual. Clinical instruments included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) [17], the Functional Reach Test (FRT) [2], the Step Test with the paretic (STp) and non-paretic leg (STnp) [18], the 30 second Chair-to-Stand Test (30CST) [19], the Timed "Up-and-go" Test (TUG) [20], the Timed Up and Down Stair Test (TUDST) [21], and the 10 Meter Walking Test (10MWT) [22]. All assessments took place within five days.…”

“…Severity of balance deficits have been traditionally assessed using clinical scales [2], which are usually easy to administer in the clinic and not time-consuming.…”

Prevalência do medo de cair em uma população de idosos da comunidade e sua correlação com mobilidade, equilíbrio dinâmico, risco e histórico de quedas

“…After this procedure, the participant was asked to attempt to reach an object in front of him/her without stepping forward or making use of any compensation strategy. The distance covered was measured; distances under 15cm indicate frailty and risk of falls 17 .…”

Are the Timed Up and Go Test and Functional Reach Test useful predictors of temporal and spatial gait parameters in elderly people?

“…Then, the participants were instructed to reach forward as far as possible without taking a step. The difference between the start and end position of the right upper limb was measured [22].…”

“…The FrT was developed to evaluate the maximum limits of stability in stance [22]. The maximal distance one can reach forward during the test is considered an accurate predictor for fall risk [23].…”