functional reach test

Indications

• fall risk assessment

Clinical significance

• measures ability of patient to reach forword while in a sitting position

Procedure

• patient sits behind a line (perpependicular to a wall for measurement of reach)
• raise arm closest to wall to shoulder height & meausure position of middle finger's knuckle
• with feet flat on the floor, reach as far forward as possible without losing balance or taking step
• record middle finger's knuckle position at the point of furthest reach

Interpretation

• very high risk: unable to reach
• high risk: < 6 inches
• moderate risk: 6-10 inches
• low risk: > 10 inches

More general terms

• physical examination technique