Effect of a controlled starting position on the relationship between the forward reach distance and movement distance of the center of pressure in the functional reach test using the ankle joint strategy.
Takaaki Nishimura, Hitoshi Asai, Dai Nakaizumi and 2 others
PMID 35291479WHAT IT FOUND
Controlling the starting position in the functional reach test reduced measurement variability.
The link between reach distance and center of pressure movement remained significant in both conditions, with no difference in strength between them.
Key findings
01The distribution range of the forward reach distance was significantly smaller when the starting position was controlled compared to when it was not.
02There was a significant correlation between mean forward reach distance and center of pressure movement distance in both conditions, but the strength of this correlation did not differ significantly between them.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study included only sixteen healthy young male participants, so the results may not apply to older adults or those with balance impairments. The study did not test a light-touch-only condition to isolate the effect of the touch sensor from the other position controls. The findings relate to measurement mechanics and do not demonstrate that the test predicts fall risk in clinical populations.
Declared interests
None declared.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that controlling the starting position makes the functional reach test a better predictor of balance ability. It only reduces measurement variability; the relationship between reach distance and center of pressure movement was not stronger in the controlled condition.