Reliability in the Parameterization of the Functional Reach Test in Elderly Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background. Postural instability is one of the major complications found in stroke survivors. Parameterising the functional reach test (FRT) could be useful in clinical practice and basic research. Objectives. To analyse the reliability, sensitivity, and specificity in the FRT parameterisation using inertial sensors for recording kinematic variables in patients who have suffered a stroke. Design. Cross-sectional study. While performing FRT, two inertial sensors were placed on the patient's back (lumbar and trunk). Participants. Five subjects over 65 who suffer from a stroke. Measurements. FRT measures, lumbosacral/thoracic maximum angular displacement, maximum time of lumbosacral/thoracic angular displacement, time return initial position, and total time. Speed and acceleration of the movements were calculated indirectly. Results. FRT measure is 12.75 ± 2.06 cm. Intrasubject reliability values range from 0.829 (time to return initial position (lumbar sensor)) to 0.891 (lumbosacral maximum angular displacement). Intersubject reliability values range from 0.821 (time to return initial position (lumbar sensor)) to 0.883 (lumbosacral maximum angular displacement). FRT's reliability was 0.987 (0.983–0.992) and 0.983 (0.979–0.989) intersubject and intrasubject, respectively. Conclusion. The main conclusion could be that the inertial sensors are a tool with excellent reliability and validity in the parameterization of the FRT in people who have had a stroke.

Experimental Validation of Depth Cameras for the Parameterization of Functional Balance of Patients in Clinical Tests

“…These values were consistent with those obtained in a study in which this test was parameterized with an inertial sensor (from ICC = 0.819 to ICC = 0.987) [11]. …”

“…Similarly, the reliability values found for the inertial sensor were consistent with those obtained using a similar device located on T7 in the parameterization of the FRT (from ICC = 0.829 to ICC = 0.878) [11]. …”

Reliability and Validity of the Hand Reach Star Excursion Balance Test

“…Furthermore, the inter-rater reliability of the HSEBT was high, with ICC values ranging from 0.90 to 0.98. FR inter-rater ICC values between 0.73 and 0.98 have been reported [22,27,28], while SEBT values range from 0.81 to 0.93 [21,24,26,29]. Even though our ICC results showed high HSEBT inter-rater reliability, the repeated measure ANOVA results suggested that in five of the 20 tests at least one rater differed systematically from the other raters ( Table 2).…”

Diabetic Polyneuropathy and Risk of Falls: Fear of Falling and Other Factors

“…Functional Reach Test (FRT) was selected because it measures some degree of static or dynamic balance and is easily administered in a clinical setting. It is based on analyzing the limits of stability in the absence of external shocks, assessing maximum displacement, intentionally, which can reach a subject without losing balance 14 . Instructions are available at the Rehabilitation Measures Database 15 .…”