Reliability of Measurements Obtained With a Modified Functional Reach Test in Subjects With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Test-retest reliability was high with modification of the FRT with a single rater. The measurements reflected differences among levels of lesion. Further study is needed to determine normal values for all levels of lesion, relationships to functional outcomes, and effects of equipment on sitting balance. The modified FRT appears to provide reliable measurements of sitting balance in nonstanding persons with spinal cord injuries.

Proposal and validation of a clinical trunk control test in individuals with spinal cord injury

“…In effect, the results of the test-retest vary from 0.51 to 0.94 depending on the test and the patient's neurological level. [13][14][15][16] The high correlations found in this study are probably due to the way the scale has been designed, with simplified and detailed elaboration of the items, which renders it understandable and easy to apply and interpret for the evaluator as well as for the patient. These results suggest that other clinicians in other places could use this test in their daily practice and research.…”

“…It has been demonstrated that maintenance of posture in individuals with SCI is associated with neurological level and SCI type, as well as with time of evolution. 18 Some clinical tests for balance in the sitting posture [13][14][15] show different results according to the neurologic level and elapsed time since the injury. Lynch et al 13 state that the functional reach varies according to the neurologic level.…”

“…18 Some clinical tests for balance in the sitting posture [13][14][15] show different results according to the neurologic level and elapsed time since the injury. Lynch et al 13 state that the functional reach varies according to the neurologic level. Sprigle et al 14 were able to show a difference in the performance of the functional reach tests, reach area and bilateral reach when comparing individuals with cervical, thoracic and lumbar injuries.…”

“…[12][13][14][15][16] The ones that are mostly used only evaluate posture in the sitting position. However, trunk balance is defined as the capacity to maintain the postural control of the trunk, including moving and shifting body weight from side to side to release one limb for a particular function, such as reaching or grasping.…”

Multidirectional measures of seated postural stability

“…In contrast, the Modified Functional Reach Test is a continuous measure of forward seated reaching with established reliability and face validity in subjects with spinal cord injury. 6 Nichols et al 7 measured forces under the buttocks during seated leaning movements, however, this measure does not represent whole body postural control since the forces through the subjects' feet are not accounted for.…”