Functional reach test performance in distance and velocity - A pilot study

Aims: To describe the difference in functional reach test (FRT) distance and velocity during "self-selected" and "as-fast-as- possible" reach velocities, and to describe the age-related differences associated distance and velocity in the two tests. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 73 healthy volunteers, 20-95 years of age. Reach ability while standing was measured during three trials performed at a "comfortable speed", and three performed as fast as possible. A web camera was used to record the tests at a frequency of 15 Hz. Major findings: The forward reach was by mean longer in 1.2 cm (± 4.9 cm) (F1;70 = 4.9, p = 0.03) in the self-selected speed condition. In addition, values were significantly higher among the younger group; during the self-selected speed by 5.8 ± 2.1 cm and by 7.2 ± 2.1 cm during the as-fast-as-possible condition (F1;70 = 11.6, p < 0.001), the backward movement in the self-selected speed was smaller by 1.2 cm (± 4.9 cm) (F1;70 = 6.3, p = 0.01),The mean reach backward in both condition was significantly different between age groups (F1;70 = 15.3, p < 0.001), values were significantly higher among the older participants. In addition, a significant interaction effect was noted (F1;70 = 3.8, p = 0.05); combination of older age and as-fast-as-possible condition was associated with increased backward movement. Principal conclusion: By using simple technology and a new measure of balance assessment that measure the quality of functional reach, therapists may discover new information regarding balance performance and falls.