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In patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), differences in postural control due to losing the lower limb somatosensory information were reported. However, it is still unclear by which mechanisms the dynamic postural instability is caused. This study aimed to investigate postural control differences and neuromuscular adaptations resulting from foot somatosensory loss due to DPN. In this controlled cross-sectional study, fourteen DPN patients and fourteen healthy controls performed the Functional Reach Test (FRT) as a dynamic task. The postural control metrics were simultaneously measured using force plate, motion capture system, and surface electromyography (sEMG). The main metrics including reach length (FR), FR to height ratio (FR/H), displacement of CoM and CoP, moment arm (MA), and arch height ratio. Also, kinematic (range of motion of ankle, knee, and hip joints), and sEMG metrics (latencies and root mean square amplitudes of ankle and hallux muscles) were measured. To compare variables between groups, the independent sample T -test for (normally distributed) and the Mann-Whitney U test (non-normally distributed) were used. The subjects' reach length (FR), FR to height ratio, absolute MA, and displacement of CoM were significantly shorter than controls, while displacement of CoP was not significant. Arch height ratio was found significantly lower in DPN patients. We observed that CoM was lagging CoP in patients (MA = + 0.89) while leading in controls (MA = -1.60). Although, the muscles of patients showed significantly earlier activation, root mean square sEMG amplitudes were found similar. Also, DPN patients showed significantly less hip flexion, knee extension, and ankle plantar flexion. This study presented that decreasing range of motion at lower limbs' joints and deterioration in foot function caused poor performance at motor execution during FRT in DPN patients. • Diabetic polyneuropathy patients show poor performance during Functional Reach Test. • Impairment of foot function caused by diabetic polyneuropathy affects deterioration in posture. • Neuropathic patients demonstrate earlier muscle activation of ankle and toe muscles than controls. • The range of joint motion is significantly smaller in patients with Diabetic polyneuropathy during Functional Reach Test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the strength of lower limb muscles, adjusted for potential modulating effects of physical activity, as a predictor of postural stability and the fear of falling (FoF) in older women and men. Materials and Methods. The study included 113 physically active and inactive persons older than 60 years (73.35 ± 7.05 years). The strength of 4 groups of lower limb muscles was determined, along with postural stability, that is, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Functional Reach (FR) test, and subjective FoF. Results and Conclusions. Shorter time to complete TUG test coexisted with the greater strength of all examined muscles (from r = -0.28 to r = -0.48), except the gastrocnemius. The results of FR test in physically active individuals correlated significantly with gastrocnemius muscle strength (r = 0.34). Subjective FoF showed statistically significant correlations with the strength of all examined muscles (from R = -0.38 to R = -0.44), as well as with the results of TUG (R = 0.45) and FR tests (R = -0.43). Physically inactive older men show a considerable decrease in quadriceps muscle and hamstring strength. The strength of these muscles is similar to that observed in physically inactive women. The strength of quadriceps muscle, hamstrings, and hip abductors is a good predictor of the results of TUG test, whereas the strength of the gastrocnemius predicts the outcome of FR test. Lesser strength of lower limb muscles and worse results of TUG and FR tests are associated with greater subjective FoF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Summary: Professionals in theater, athletics, and rehabilitation settings have integrated Pilates-based exercise into their practice. The Pilates method of exercise claims to have several benefits including improving posture and improving balance; however, there are few studies to support these statements. We studied the effects of Pilates-based exercise on dynamic balance in healthy adults. A certified Pilates instructor conducted all exercise sessions. After completing 10 Pilates-based exercise sessions a significant change () in dynamic balance was found in the functional reach test (FRT) mean scores in the exercise group (). The control group () demonstrated no significant change (). The results suggest that Pilates-based exercise improved dynamic balance as measured by the FRT in healthy adults. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Functional Reach Test (FRT) is commonly used to assess fall risk in older adults. This study assessed differences in performance of the FRT as described by Duncan et al using the mean of 3 trials (Mean 3 trials) versus performing only 1 or 2 trials. Eighty-nine individuals, mean age 84.2, participated in the study. The FRT was administered according to protocol with 3 trials. Paired sample t tests were performed to determine the difference between the Mean 3 trials and Trial 1, Trial 2, and the average of 2 trials (Mean 2 trials). Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were used to look at the relationship between the Mean 3 trials and each measurement, while the κ statistic measured the agreement categorically (α level = .05). Mean FRT score derived from 3 trials was 7.0 ± 3-1 in. The scores were 6.8 ± 33 in for Trial 1; 7.0 ± 3.4 in for Trial 2; and 6.9 ± 31 in for Mean 2 trials. Values of the paired sample t tests were not significant for any of the relationships, and r was greater than 0.90, with a significance at the .01 level for each relationship. The κ comparing Mean 3 trials and Trial 1 was 0.64; Trial 2 was 0.80: and Mean 2 trials was 0.84. All comparisons resulted in similar measures. Mean 2 trials was most similar to the FRT measurement based on Mean 3 trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]