Effect of controlled start position on the reach distance distribution range in the functional reach test among community-dwelling older adults.
Takaaki Nishimura, Hitoshi Asai, Sota Otsubo and 2 others
PMID 38434991WHAT IT FOUND
Aligning the shoulder with the ankle before the Functional Reach Test reduced measurement variability in older adults.
This controlled start position made the test more consistent, especially for those with curved spines, without changing the average reach distance.
Key findings
01Controlling the start position by aligning the right acromial process with the vertical line through the right malleolus significantly reduced the reach distance distribution range compared to the non-controlled condition.
02The mean reach distance did not differ significantly between the controlled and non-controlled start position conditions.
03Under the controlled start position condition, the mean reach distance showed a significant positive correlation with the length of movement of the center of pressure, whereas no such correlation was found in the non-controlled condition.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The participants had low levels of thoracic kyphosis (mean Flexicurve index 9.9), so the results may not apply to older adults with severe spinal curvature who are at higher fall risk. The study did not analyze the specific movement strategies (hip vs. ankle) participants used to reach, so it is unclear how controlling the start position changed the mechanics of the movement.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that controlling the start position improves the test's ability to predict falls. This study showed it reduces measurement variability and clarifies the relationship with balance mechanics, but it did not validate the test against actual fall outcomes.