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Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the fall risk amongst the elderly and to assess the effect of preventive rehabilitation. Study Design: This was a prospective pre–post study. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients attending the outpatient department were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Timed up and go (TUG) test and functional reach test (FRT) and modified FRT were done to identify the risk groups. Appropriate preventive rehabilitation measures such as strengthening and balance exercises, footwear modifications and assistive aids along with treatment of the disease for which they approached the clinic were done. The study population was assessed after 2 weeks for fall risk using the same TUG and FRT. Results: A statistically significant reduction in fall risk was seen after appropriate rehabilitative strategies. Fall risk can be detected early by simple clinical tools such as TUG test and FRT. Conclusion: Simple clinical tools such as TUG test and FRT can be used for the early identification of fall risk amongst the elderly. This study establishes that a comprehensive preventive rehabilitation to the geriatric community with risk of fall can reduce the “fall risk” in the future and can also improve their functioning.

The measurement of Functional Reach Test (FRT) is a widely used assessment tool in various fields, including physical therapy, rehabilitation, and geriatrics. This test evaluates a person's balance, mobility, and functional ability to reach forward while maintaining stability. Recently, there has been a growing interest in utilizing sensor-based systems to objectively and accurately measure FRT results. This systematic review was performed in various scientific databases or publishers, including PubMed Central, IEEE Explore, Elsevier, Springer, the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and considered studies published between January 2017 and October 2022, related to methods for the automation of the measurement of the Functional Reach Test variables and results with sensors. Camera-based devices and motion-based sensors are used for Functional Reach Tests, with statistical models extracting meaningful information. Sensor-based systems offer several advantages over traditional manual measurement techniques, as they can provide objective and precise measurements of the reach distance, quantify postural sway, and capture additional parameters related to the movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional reach test (FRT) is a clinical tool used to evaluate dynamic balance and fall risk in older adults and those with certain neurological diseases. It provides crucial information for developing rehabilitation programs to improve balance and reduce fall risk. This paper aims to describe a new tool to gather and analyze the data from inertial sensors to allow automation and increased reliability in the future by removing practitioner bias and facilitating the FRT procedure. A new tool for gathering and analyzing data from inertial sensors has been developed to remove practitioner bias and streamline the FRT procedure. The study involved 54 senior citizens using smartphones with sensors to execute FRT. The methods included using a mobile app to gather data, using sensor-fusion algorithms like the Madgwick algorithm to estimate orientation, and attempting to estimate location by twice integrating accelerometer data. However, accurate position estimation was difficult, highlighting the need for more research and development. The study highlights the benefits and drawbacks of automated balance assessment testing with mobile device sensors, highlighting the potential of technology to enhance conventional health evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The current study was conducted to investigate the balance performance of 7-12-year-old Iranian children based on functional reach tests. Methods. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 483 male and female students from the first to sixth grades. After measuring the height, weight, and length of the upper and lower limbs, the functional reach test was evaluated with the dominant limb, and the initial amount of the functional reach test was recorded by the examiner, and subsequently, the same protocol was used for the non-dominant limb, as well as two limbs. The final amount of functional reach was recorded, and the difference between the two was recorded in the test sheet. This process was repeated three times, and the average of these three attempts was recorded as the final score. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software version 23, and its descriptive and inferential statistics were extracted. Pearson's correlation coefficient was also calculated to measure the correlation of anthropometric characteristics of height, weight, and body length. Results. In this study, 483 elementary school students with an average age of 9.53 years (minimum of 7 years and maximum of 12 years) and the average height of 138.217, as well as an average body mass index of 17.43 in the first to sixth grades, were evaluated. The normative scores for right, left, and two-handed functional reach tests were 20.45±7.87 cm, 22.46±8.09 cm, and 18.60±7.89 cm, respectively. The right and left lateral reach test scores were 14.68±6.01 cm and 14.90±6.01 cm, respectively. These scores significantly correlated with each other (P

The functional reach test (FRT) is a clinical tool used to evaluate dynamic balance and fall risk in older adults and those with certain neurological diseases. It provides crucial information for developing rehabilitation programs to improve balance and reduce fall risk. This paper aims to describe a new tool to gather and analyze the data from inertial sensors to allow automation and increased reliability in the future by removing practitioner bias and facilitating the FRT procedure. A new tool for gathering and analyzing data from inertial sensors has been developed to remove practitioner bias and streamline the FRT procedure. The study involved 54 senior citizens using smartphones with sensors to execute FRT. The methods included using a mobile app to gather data, using sensor-fusion algorithms like the Madgwick algorithm to estimate orientation, and attempting to estimate location by twice integrating accelerometer data. However, accurate position estimation was difficult, highlighting the need for more research and development. The study highlights the benefits and drawbacks of automated balance assessment testing with mobile device sensors, highlighting the potential of technology to enhance conventional health evaluations.

Background. The current study was conducted to investigate the balance performance of 7-12-year-old Iranian children based on functional reach tests. Methods. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 483 male and female students from the first to sixth grades. After measuring the height, weight, and length of the upper and lower limbs, the functional reach test was evaluated with the dominant limb, and the initial amount of the functional reach test was recorded by the examiner, and subsequently, the same protocol was used for the non-dominant limb, as well as two limbs. The final amount of functional reach was recorded, and the difference between the two was recorded in the test sheet. This process was repeated three times, and the average of these three attempts was recorded as the final score. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software version 23, and its descriptive and inferential statistics were extracted. Pearson's correlation coefficient was also calculated to measure the correlation of anthropometric characteristics of height, weight, and body length. Results. In this study, 483 elementary school students with an average age of 9.53 years (minimum of 7 years and maximum of 12 years) and the average height of 138.217, as well as an average body mass index of 17.43 in the first to sixth grades, were evaluated. The normative scores for right, left, and two-handed functional reach tests were 20.45±7.87 cm, 22.46±8.09 cm, and 18.60±7.89 cm, respectively. The right and left lateral reach test scores were 14.68±6.01 cm and 14.90±6.01 cm, respectively. These scores significantly correlated with each other (P<0.001) and anthropometric characteristics. Conclusion. The results of the current study revealed that on 483 students from the first to the sixth-grade evaluation of functional reach and lateral reach, tests is vital for clinical use and assessing the balance of Iranian children. Due to the lower balance functional level of Iranian children than their peers in some other countries, there is a need for planning to increase physical activity and sports in school programs and at the community level. Practical Implications. The data obtained from functional reach tests in this study can be used to measure the balance performance of Iranian school-age children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Limits of stability (LOS) is a major component of balance dysfunction in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The functional reach test (FRT) is a clinical LOS assessment; however, its psychometric properties have not been investigated in people with MS yet. Objectives: To investigate: (1) the intrarater, interrater, and test–retest reliability of the FRT in people with MS; (2) the minimum detectable change (MDC) in the FRT distances; (3) the concurrent and discriminant validity of the FRT; and (4) the cutoff distance that best discriminates people with MS from healthy people and fallers from non-fallers with MS. Forty-three people with MS and 36 healthy people participated in this study. The FRT was administered along with the instrumented LOS test, Berg Balance Scale, Four Square Step Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and Expanded Disability Status Scale. The FRT was repeated by the same rater after 2 min from the first test session to determine the intrarater reliability and was simultaneously conducted by two independent raters to determine the interrater reliability. The FRT was also repeated after 7–10 days to determine the test–retest reliability. The reliability was quantified using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman plots, and the MDC. The validity was assessed by correlating the FRT distances with the scores of other measures and by comparing the FRT distances between the MS group and healthy people, and between the fallers and non-fallers in the MS group. The FRT demonstrated good to excellent intrarater, interrater, and test–retest reliability with an ICC (3,1) of 0.80–0.88 (p <.001), an ICC (3,2) of 0.94–0.97 (p <.001), an ICC (2,3) of 0.84–0.86 (p <.001), respectively. Bland–Altman analyses showed no systematic bias between the assessments. The MDC was 8.28 centimeters. The FRT was correlated with the other outcome measures (correlation coefficients ranged from 0.31 to 0.79, p <.05 for all). Significant differences in the FRT distances were found between people with MS and healthy people; however, no significant difference was found between the fallers and non-fallers with MS (p <.001 and p =.09, respectively). The cutoff distance of 35.5 centimeters best discriminates healthy people from people with MS while of 28.5 centimeters did not discriminate between the fallers and non-fallers with MS. The FRT is a reliable, valid, and easy-to-administer tool for assessing LOS in people with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Evaluating balance in a functional context that integrates challenging tasks frequently performed in the community is essential to identify community-dwelling individuals who are at risk of falls in early Parkinson Disease (PD) than a simple balance measure. Community Balance and Mobility (CB&M) scale is one such measure that evaluates severe deficits in gait, balance, and mobility. The risk of falling and fear of fall is common among PD individuals and this affects the day to day functioning as well as the quality of life. Early identification of individuals who may be at risk to fall will lead to intervention strategies that can help to with balance issues. The aim of this study was to correlate between Community Balance and Mobility with a battery of outcome measures commonly used to assess balance in Parkinson’s disease. Methods A cross sectional study design; with individuals referred to Outpatient physiotherapy department, diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, independently mobile and on a stable drug regimen referred by the neurologist; were screened and recruited by convenience sampling. With written informed consent, demographic data gathered and scales such as Berg Balance scale, Community balance & mobility scale, Functional Reach test and Timed up and go test were administered with an ample amount of rest. Results The results obtained were documented and analysed using Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Significant correlation between CB&M and BBS (r = 0.795) was found, CB&M and TUG (r = − 0.755), CB&M and FRT (r = 0.772). Conclusion CB&M is a useful measure which integrates items that challenge balance in the community context. It has been used to assess high functioning community dwelling individuals and hence may be apt for individuals with early Parkinson’s, since the tasks to be performed in CB&M are challenging and these simulate community level activities where the risk of falls is higher. It may well be a good tool to assess early Parkinson’s; their level of balance, community level activity and without need for sophisticated & expensive equipment.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the main risk factors for falls in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) by comparing balance, cognition, and visuospatial ability between those who have experienced a fall and those who have not. Methods: Forty-seven AD patients were admitted to a ward for patients with dementia (22 men and 25 women). The balance of patients was evaluated using the Functional Reach Test (FRT), the one-leg standing duration, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The Mini-Mental State Examination-Japanese (MMSE-J) was used to evaluate cognition. For visuospatial ability assessment, the Clock-Drawing Test (CDT) as well as overlapping figure identification and shape discrimination in the Visual Perception Test for Agnosia (VPTA) were used. The patients were allocated to either the fall group or the nonfall group based on their history of falls in the past year. The relationships between patients’ characteristics and evaluation outcomes were compared and examined. Logistic regression analysis was performed using a fall as the objective variable. The area under the curve (AUC) and the cutoff value were calculated. Results: Of the 47 participants, 22 had experienced falls within the past year (46.8%). The results of the FRT, one-leg standing duration, the TUG, the CDT, and the VPTA were significantly lower in the fall group. No significant difference between the MMSE-J scores of the fall group and those of the nonfall group was observed. The results of the logistic regression analysis indicated that falls in AD patients were significantly associated with the FRT. It was found that a shorter FRT distance (cm) had a significant impact on falls. For the FRT, the fall-related AUC was 0.755. At a cutoff value of 24.5 cm, the level of sensitivity was 68.0%, and the level of specificity was 77.3%. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that balance and visuospatial abilities are risks factors for falls in AD patients. In contrast, cognitive impairment was not a risk factor for falls. It was demonstrated that the FRT could be an appropriate risk predictor for falls in AD patients. In particular, falls in AD patients were strongly affected by a reduced dynamic balance.

Background: Evaluating balance in a functional context that integrates challenging tasks frequently performed in the community is essential to identify community-dwelling individuals who are at risk of falls in early Parkinson Disease (PD) than a simple balance measure. Community Balance and Mobility (CB&M) scale is one such measure that evaluates severe deficits in gait, balance, and mobility. The risk of falling and fear of fall is common among PD individuals and this affects the day to day functioning as well as the quality of life. Early identification of individuals who may be at risk to fall will lead to intervention strategies that can help to with balance issues. The aim of this study was to correlate between Community Balance and Mobility with a battery of outcome measures commonly used to assess balance in Parkinson's disease. Methods: A cross sectional study design; with individuals referred to Outpatient physiotherapy department, diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, independently mobile and on a stable drug regimen referred by the neurologist; were screened and recruited by convenience sampling. With written informed consent, demographic data gathered and scales such as Berg Balance scale, Community balance & mobility scale, Functional Reach test and Timed up and go test were administered with an ample amount of rest. Results: The results obtained were documented and analysed using Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient. Significant correlation between CB&M and BBS (r = 0.795) was found, CB&M and TUG (r = − 0.755), CB&M and FRT (r = 0.772). Conclusion: CB&M is a useful measure which integrates items that challenge balance in the community context. It has been used to assess high functioning community dwelling individuals and hence may be apt for individuals with early Parkinson's, since the tasks to be performed in CB&M are challenging and these simulate community level activities where the risk of falls is higher. It may well be a good tool to assess early Parkinson's; their level of balance, community level activity and without need for sophisticated & expensive equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rigakuryoho Kagaku is the property of International Press Editing Center Incorporation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To prevent falls, it is important to measure periodically the balance ability of an individual using reliable clinical tests. As Red Green Blue Depth (RGBD) devices have been increasingly used for balance rehabilitation at home, they may also be used to assess objectively the balance ability and determine the effectiveness of a therapy. For this, we developed a system based on the Microsoft Kinect v2 for measuring the Functional Reach Test (FRT); one of the most used balance clinical tools to predict falls. Two experiments were conducted to compare the FRT measures computed by our system using the Microsoft Kinect v2 with those obtained by the standard method, i.e., manually. In terms of validity, we found a very strong correlation between the two methods (r = 0.97 and r = 0.99 (p < 0.05), for experiments 1 and 2, respectively). However, we needed to correct the measurements using a linear model to fit the data obtained by the Kinect system. Consequently, a linear regression model has been applied and examining the regression assumptions showed that the model works well for the data. Applying the paired t-test to the data after correction indicated that there is no statistically significant difference between the measurements obtained by both methods. As for the reliability of the test, we obtained good to excellent within repeatability of the FRT measurements tracked by Kinect (ICC = 0.86 and ICC = 0.99, for experiments 1 and 2, respectively). These results suggested that the Microsoft Kinect v2 device is reliable and adequate to calculate the standard FRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Context: Functional reach test (FRT) is a quick and simple, single-task dynamic test to measure the balance of an individual during functional task and is considered to be a predictor of fall in older adults. There is a lack of availability of data from a large population-based study, especially in India. Aim: The aim of the present study is to establish the reference value for FRT in healthy adults of Gujarat, India. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional, observational study. Five hundred and twenty-one healthy individuals, aged 40–70 years, were recruited based on convenience sampling. All the participants were made to perform FRT in a controlled environment in community. Three readings of the actual test were obtained and averaged. Results: Data were analyzed with mean, standard deviation, confidence intervals (confidence interval 95%), and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) with α = 0.05 by the age groups (40–50, 51–60, 61–70 years) and gender. The mean FRT value for healthy adults of Gujarat (age 40–70 years) was found to be 34.94 ± 3.9 cm and 33.43 ± 3.69 cm for males and females, respectively. It also showed significant negative correlation with weight and body mass index and also demonstrated age-related decline for both male and female participants. Conclusion: The reference value for FRT in healthy adults was found to be 34.18 (±3.79) cm. These large population-based data can be used as a reference with a specific age group considering due variability with regards to age, sex, anthropometric measures, genetics, and geographical changes.

Background:Knee osteoarthritis (OA) damages the proprioceptors within the joint cavity which in turn may lead to impairment of balance, an integral part of mobility. Fears and beliefs about knee osteoarthritis in patients with knee osteoarthritis are found to have an adverse impact on their function. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the correlation between fears and beliefs about knee osteoarthritis and balance in patients with Knee OA. Material and Methods:In an observational analytical study males and females with OA knee were included. Fears and beliefs were assessed using the Knee Osteoarthritis Fears and Beliefs Questionnaire (KOFBeQ), balance was tested using the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and pain was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Result: Forty-six patients were evaluated. Mean pain score was 4±1.5, FRT score 8.7±2.4inches, KOFBeq score33 ±13.8. Correlation was found using Spearman coefficient, r=0.178, p=0.23(balance and KOFBeq), r=-0.264, p=0.7 (pain and balance), r=-0.3, p=0.018(pain and KOFBeq) was seen. Conclusion: Fears and beliefs about knee osteoarthritis were present with impaired functional balance. Weak negative correlation was found between pain and balance and pain and fears and beliefs and no correlation were found between balance and fears and beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: It has been reported that young people may be able to modulate simultaneous contraction depending on the task. The functional reach test (FRT) is widely used as a method to assess dynamic balance. Although there are several reports on the center of pressure (COP), there are few reports on muscle activity and no studies focus on muscle co-contraction during FRT at different distances. We aimed to clarify how the differences in reach distance affect the activity of the lower limb muscles by measuring COP and muscle activity during FRT at different distances. Methods: Eighteen healthy young adults performed FRT at different distances (maximum, 75%, and 50%) and measured COP and muscle activity of tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL). Postural control variables were calculated from the COP, and mean muscle activity and muscle co-contraction index (CI) were calculated from muscle activity. Each variable was compared between the reach distance conditions and the correlation between the variable was examined. Results: Most COP variables were significantly higher as the reach distance increased. A significant increase in muscle activity and CI was similarly observed with increasing distance. There was no consistent correlation between COP variables and CI, but there was a positive correlation between TA muscle activity and CI. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that the young people used task-specific strategies by modulating lower limb muscle contraction and varying the degree of simultaneous muscle contraction during reaching movements at different distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rigakuryoho Kagaku is the property of International Press Editing Center Incorporation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Cesarean delivery involves thorough disruption of the anterior abdominal wall and is related with greater reports of postpartum pain and slower more painful recovery than vaginal birth. An increase in the inter-recti distance puts postural stability in hazard. It also weakens the abdominal muscles and influence their functions. This can result in an altered trunk mechanics, impaired pelvic stability and postural change, that leaves the lumbar spine and pelvis more susceptible to injury. Low endurance of back and hip muscles has been reported in women after delivery which can result into pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain. There is lack of research on this topic, indeed this made us to study the effect of trunk extensor muscle fatigue on postural stability in women undergone lower segment cesarean section. Objectives: To find the effect of trunk extensor muscle fatigue on postural stability in women undergone lower segment cesarean section. Method: In this observational study, 37 women undergone cesarean section in age group 22 to 35 years were included. One- Leg Standing Balance Test and Functional Reach Test were the major outcome measures to assess postural stability in three conditions: No fatigue, Fatigue and Recovery Condition. Borg 6-20 scale was used to check the exertion level after inducing fatigue in women. Later, data was collected and analysis was done. Result: Both One- Leg Standing Balance Test and Functional Reach Test showed a decrease from No fatigue condition to Fatigue condition. The results indicate that postural stability was significantly reduced in the Fatigue condition as compared to the No fatigue condition. Conclusion: Trunk extensor muscle fatigue significantly reduces the postural stability in women undergone lower segment cesarean section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Purpose: Falls in older people is a major public health problem, with 1 in 3 people in the community aged over 65 years falling each year. To perform daily activities under both static and dynamic conditions, maintenance of balance and stability plays an important role to prevent slip and falls. Maintenance of balance is essential to prevent falls and fall related injuries. Balance is maintained by visual, vestibular and somatosensory senses coupled with an intact, musculoskeletal system along with a higher level of cognitive neural function. Degradation in one system increases the chances of lowering balance performance with resultant possibility of a fall. The type of footwear plays a major role for maintaining balance and stability as it serves as the medium between foot and the surface and contributes to somatosensory feedback mechanisms. Design features of footwear such as mid sole hardness, heel elevation play an important role in posture and balance. The aim of present study was to measure the effects of footwear on balance and fall risk in older population. METHODOLOGY: Subjects were selected from R.V. College of Physiot herapy OPD Bengaluru, Dignity Foundation Bengaluru. Elderly population above 60 years were recruited for the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit sample size of 80 subjects. FUNCTIONAL REACH TEST (FRT): (Group A)=40 subjects and BERG BALANCE TEST: (Group B)=40 subjects were analyzed. Results: The result was expressed in asymptotic Z-value because for both the groups sample size was more than 20.Hence the median was tested between the two scales and asymptotic Z-value was 7.852 with P value of p<0.001.This shows that those with footwear have maintained better balance as compared those without footwear. Conclusion: The present study concluded that respondents recruited for Berg balance scale with footwear showed better balance and stability as compared to bare foot performing Functional reach test [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Numerous reported studies have shown that vertebral compression fractures are associated with impaired function or disability; however, few examined their association with objective measures of physical performance or functioning. Methods We examined the association of vertebral compression fractures with physical performance measures in 556 Japanese women aged 40–89 years. Lateral spine radiographs were obtained and radiographic vertebral compression fractures were assessed by quantitative morphometry, defined as vertebral heights more than 3 SD below the normal mean. Measures of physical performance included walking speed, chair stand time and functional reach. Adjusted means of performance-based measures according to the number and severity of vertebral compression fractures were calculated using general linear modeling methods. Results After adjusting for age, body mass index, back pain, number of painful joints, number of comorbidities and regular physical activities, the walking speed of women with two or more compression fractures (1.17 m/s) was significantly slower than that of women without compression fracture (1.24 m/s) (p = 0.03). Compared with women without compression fracture, chair stand time was longer in women with two or more compression fractures (p = 0.01), and functional reach was shorter (p = 0.01). No significant differences were observed in walking speed, chair stand time, or functional reach between women with one compression fracture and those without compression fracture. Conclusions Having multiple vertebral compression fractures affects physical performance in community-dwelling Japanese women. Poor physical functioning may lead to functional dependence, accelerated bone loss, and increased risk for falls, injuries, and fractures. Preventing vertebral compression fracture is considered important for preserving the independence of older adults.

Background: Subjects who are suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee will have problems including progressive loss of function, depending on walking, climbing stairs, and it may affect lower extremity functions. Balance is a major component required for the activities of daily living and functions. The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of perturbation training and conventional physiotherapy in improving balance and function in the rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis. Method: Study design was an experimental study. Thirty subjects (16 males and 14 females) suffering from knee osteoarthritis were randomized into a control group and experimental group. Fifteen subjects in the control group were treated with traditional methods like ultrasound, stretching and strengthening, and fifteen subjects in the experimental group were given perturbation training along with the conventional method. Outcome measures used were Timed get up and go test score (TUG) and Functional reach test score (FRT) scales, pre-assessed on Day 1. Each group received 14 sessions of treatment, after which post-assessment of outcome measures was done. Results: Timed get up and go test score was reduced in both groups after training, which was statistically significant (p

Introduction: It is important to assess the integrity of the balance system in order to estimate individual balance capabilities. Various static, dynamic and functional balance tests have been developed to evaluate performance. Aim: To assess the validity and responsiveness of Centre Of Pressure (COP) range and COP sway taken from Pedalo®- Sensomove balance device with clinical balance tests in diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty subjects (age: 60.45±8.79) with DPN were recruited to participate in an outpatient balance training program. Validity was assessed by correlating COP range and COP sway measured using Pedalo®-Sensomove balance system with Functional Reach Test (FRT), One Leg Stance (OLS) and Time Up and Go test (TUG). Responsiveness was assessed by comparing the COP range and COP sway, before and after the completion of balance training. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21. The construct validity was established by evaluating the relationship of COP range and COP sway with FRT distance (using pearson correlation coeffecient) and OLS (using spearman correlation coefficient). The concurrent validity was examined by assessing the correlation of COP range and COP sway with TUG scores (using pearson correlation coefficent). Effect Size (ES) and Standardised Response Mean (SRM) were used to assess responsiveness. Results: There was a significant correlation between COP range front (p=0.001) and COP sway (Antero-Posterior (AP): p=0.022; Medio-Lateral (ML): p=0.047). OLS eyes open was also associated with COP range (front: p=0.029; right: p=0.025) and COP sway (AP: p≤0.001; ML: p≤0.001). OLS eyes closed and COP sway (AP: p=0.02; ML: p=0.038) were found to be negatively correlated. TUG score showed positive correlation with COP ranges (p≤0.039), and negatively correlated with COP sway (p≤0.023) in all directions. Following balance training, the change in the COP range and COP sway showed moderate to high ES (0.73 to 0.93) and SRM (0.827 to 1.38). Conclusion: The COP range and COP sway measured by Pedalo®-Sensomove balance device are valid measures of balance assessment in patients with DPN.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of controlled start position (CSP) on the reach distance distribution range (RDDR) in the functional reach test (FRT) in community-dwelling older adults. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 34 community-dwelling older adults. We compared the RDDR in CSP and non-CSP and analyzed the relationship between the mean reach distance (MRD) and the length of movement of the center of pressure (LMCOP). [Results] The RDDR in CSP condition was significantly lower than non-CSP condition. A significant positive correlation was observed only for CSP condition. In the non-CSP condition, MRD was not reflected in the LMCOP. [Conclusion] The FRT in the CSP effectively reflects the standing balance ability of community-dwelling older adults., Competing Interests: None., (2024©by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.)

To prevent falls, it is important to measure periodically the balance ability of an individual using reliable clinical tests. As Red Green Blue Depth (RGBD) devices have been increasingly used for balance rehabilitation at home, they may also be used to assess objectively the balance ability and determine the effectiveness of a therapy. For this, we developed a system based on the Microsoft Kinect v2 for measuring the Functional Reach Test (FRT); one of the most used balance clinical tools to predict falls. Two experiments were conducted to compare the FRT measures computed by our system using the Microsoft Kinect v2 with those obtained by the standard method, i.e., manually. In terms of validity, we found a very strong correlation between the two methods (r = 0.97 and r = 0.99 (p < 0.05), for experiments 1 and 2, respectively). However, we needed to correct the measurements using a linear model to fit the data obtained by the Kinect system. Consequently, a linear regression model has been applied and examining the regression assumptions showed that the model works well for the data. Applying the paired t-test to the data after correction indicated that there is no statistically significant difference between the measurements obtained by both methods. As for the reliability of the test, we obtained good to excellent within repeatability of the FRT measurements tracked by Kinect (ICC = 0.86 and ICC = 0.99, for experiments 1 and 2, respectively). These results suggested that the Microsoft Kinect v2 device is reliable and adequate to calculate the standard FRT.

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The article discusses a study that explores the association between Functional Reach Test scores and falls in Special Olympic athletes. Highlights include collection of data as part of the FUNfitness screens during Arizona Special Olympics games, sensitivity of the Functional Reach Test to identify fallers, and the impact of variations in height and weight on functional reach.

Introduction: It is important to assess the integrity of the balance system in order to estimate individual balance capabilities. Various static, dynamic and functional balance tests have been developed to evaluate performance. Aim: To assess the validity and responsiveness of Centre Of Pressure (COP) range and COP sway taken from Pedalo®-Sensomove balance device with clinical balance tests in diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty subjects (age: 60.45±8.79) with DPN were recruited to participate in an outpatient balance training program. Validity was assessed by correlating COP range and COP sway measured using Pedalo®-Sensomove balance system with Functional Reach Test (FRT), One Leg Stance (OLS) and Time Up and Go test (TUG). Responsiveness was assessed by comparing the COP range and COP sway, before and after the completion of balance training. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21. The construct validity was established by evaluating the relationship of COP range and COP sway with FRT distance (using pearson correlation coeffecient) and OLS (using spearman correlation coefficient). The concurrent validity was examined by assessing the correlation of COP range and COP sway with TUG scores (using pearson correlation coefficent). Effect Size (ES) and Standardised Response Mean (SRM) were used to assess responsiveness. Results: There was a significant correlation between COP range front (p=0.001) and COP sway (Antero-Posterior (AP): p=0.022; Medio-Lateral (ML): p=0.047). OLS eyes open was also associated with COP range (front: p=0.029; right: p=0.025) and COP sway (AP: p<0.001; ML: p<0.001). OLS eyes closed and COP sway (AP: p=0.02; ML: p=0.038) were found to be negatively correlated. TUG score showed positive correlation with COP ranges (p<0.039), and negatively correlated with COP sway (p<0.023) in all directions. Following balance training, the change in the COP range and COP sway showed moderate to high ES (0.73 to 0.93) and SRM (0.827 to 1.38). Conclusion: The COP range and COP sway measured by Pedalo®-Sensomove balance device are valid measures of balance assessment in patients with DPN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objectives: Functional reach test is used to assess dynamic balance in individuals. The objective of the study is to estimate the reference values for functional reach test in Gujarati population. Methods: Observational; cross sectional study design was conducted on 843 normal healthy individuals with age group 18-60 years. Functional reach measured with subject standing next to the wall (without touching it), with shoulder flexed to 90°, elbow fully extended with hand full fist. Initial marking is made at the position of 3rd metacarpal along the yardstick on the wall. Subject is then instructed to lean as far forward as possible without taking a step or losing balance. Second marking is then made again using 3rd metacarpal as reference along the yardstick on the wall. The difference between two markings is the forward reach distance used for functional reach test. Results: Reference range for males is 9 - 19 inches and females is 7 - 17 inches. Negative correlation (p = -0.25) between functional reach and age whereas a positive correlation (p = 0.47) between functional reach and height. Interpretation & Conclusion: Norms for functional reach test has been established for Gujarati population. Age and Height are the contributory factors affecting functional reach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The functional reach test (FRT) is widely used for assessing dynamic balance stability in elderly and pathological subjects. Force platforms (FPs) represent a fundamental part of the instrumented FRT experimental setup due to the central role of center-of-pressure (COP) displacement in FRT analysis. Recently, the nintendo wii balance board (NBB) has been suggested as a low-cost and reliable device for ground reaction force and COP measurement in poorly dynamic motor tasks. Therefore, this paper aimed to compare NBB-COP data with those obtained from a laboratory-grade platform during FRT. Data from 48 healthy subjects were simultaneously acquired from both devices. FP-COP and NBB-COP trajectories showed a remarkable correlation in both directions ( ${r}>\textsf {0.990}$ ) and low root-mean-square error values (1.14 ± 0.88 mm and 0.55 ± 0.28 mm for anterior–posterior and medial–lateral direction). Fixed biases between COP-based parameters did not exceed 2% of the FP outcomes with high consistency throughout the present measurement range (ICC consistency always >0.950). Only the COP mean velocity exhibited a tendency toward proportional errors, which can be adjusted by a calibration of NBB data. Findings of this paper confirmed the NBB validity for COP measurement in a widely used motor task as the functional reach, supporting the feasibility of NBB in research scenarios. [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]

• Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) decreased center of pressure sway path length. • nGVS improved standing balance function but did not change reach distance in the FRT in healthy young individuals. • nGVS stimulation effect may differ depending on the balance function evaluation. Balance disorders are a risk factor for falls in older individuals, and an increased center of pressure (COP) sway path length during standing and decreased reach distance in the functional reach test (FRT) predispose them to falls. Reportedly, noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) reduces COP sway path length during standing in young and community-dwelling older individuals and suggested to be a promising approach to improve balance function. However, the effect of nGVS on FRT remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the effect of nGVS on the FRT reach distance. This study has a cross-over design and included 20 healthy young adults. Interventions under nGVS (stimulation intensity: 0.2 mA) and sham (stimulation intensity: 0 mA) conditions were randomly administered to each participant. The participants underwent COP sway during standing measurements and FRT pre-intervention and post-intervention under each condition, and COP sway path length and the FRT reach distance were calculated. Statistical analysis revealed a significant decrease in post-intervention COP sway path length compared with pre-intervention COP sway path length under the nGVS condition. Conversely, the FRT reach distance remained the same under both nGVS and sham conditions. Thus, nGVS may improve the standing balance function but cannot change the FRT reach distance in healthy young individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The functional reach test (FRT) and lateral reach test (LRT) provide important measures of postural stability. The aims of this study were to (1) establish the normative values for FRT and LRT, and (2) examine the effects of age, gender, and various anthropometric measurements on FRT and LRT.Methods: Two hundred eighty children, aged 6–12 years, completed the study. One hundred fifty-two subjects were females. The mean age was 9.0 ± 2.0 years. Each child performed two trials of FRT and LRT.Results: No significant differences were detected in any age group between males and females. The normal values of FRT ranged between 23.0 and 36.5 cm, and that of LRT between 18.0 and 28.0 cm. Height, length of upper and lower extremity, and arm span had a higher correlation with FRT. Age and weight showed a good correlation with FRT. Age, height, weight, length of upper and lower extremity, and arm span showed good correlation with LRT.Conclusions: These normative data will be useful for clinicians in the assessment of balance of individual children and in the diagnosis of potential balance deficits at an early age in the Turkish population. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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Objective: To investigate the influence of vestibular function on dynamic postural stability assessed by the functional reach test (FRT) and the timed up and go test (TUG). Study design: Retrospective study. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Subjects and Methods: The FRT and TUG were performed in 399 patients with dizziness. The effects of peripheral vestibular dysfunction assessed by the caloric test and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) to air-conducted sound (500 Hz, tone burst) on the results of FRT and TUG were analyzed. Results: Neither FRT nor TUG scores showed significant differences in relation to the results of the caloric test (P > .3). The FRT scores in patients who showed abnormal cVEMP responses on both sides were significantly smaller than those in patients who showed normal cVEMP responses (P < .01). The TUG scores in patients who showed abnormal cVEMP responses on both sides were significantly greater than those in patients who showed normal cVEMP responses (P < .05). Conclusion: The vestibulo-spinal reflex mediated by the saccule and its afferents is one of the factors that influence the maintenance of dynamic postural stability as measured by FRT and TUG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined test-retest reliability of trunk and pelvis joint angles, arm distance and center of pressure (COP) excursion for the seated functional reach test (FRT) and compared these variables during the seated FRT with and without foot support. Fifteen typically developing children (age 9.3±4.1years) participated. Trunk and pelvis joint angles, arm distance, and COP excursion were collected on two days using three-dimensional motion analysis and a force plate while subjects reached maximally with and without foot support in the anterior, anterior/lateral, lateral, posterior/lateral directions. Age, weight, height, trunk and arm lengths were correlated (p<0.01) with maximum arm distance reached. Maximum arm distance, trunk and pelvis joint angles, and COP with and without foot support were not significant (p<0.05) for the two test periods. Excellent reliability (ICCs>0.75) was found for maximum arm distance reached in all four directions in the seated FRT with and without foot support. Most trunk and pelvis joint angles and COP excursions during maximum reach in all four directions showed excellent to fair reliability (ICCs>0.40-0.75). Reaching with foot support in all directions was significantly greater (p<0.05) than without foot support; however, most COP excursions and trunk and pelvic angles were not significantly different. Findings support the addition of anterior/lateral and posterior/lateral reaching directions in the seated FRT. Trunk and pelvis movement analysis is important to examine in the seated FRT to determine the specific movement strategies needed for maximum reaching without loss of balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]