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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
General
physical examination technique
References
- Medscape Oncology: Functional Reach Test
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/762687_9