The Functional Reach Test for Balance in an Elderly Population: Altering Visual and Somatosensory Input

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if altering visual and somatosensory input changes functional reach measures. Subjects: Thirty-nine individuals were included between the ages of 65 and 95. There were 14 male subjects and 25 female subjects. Methods: Subjects were assigned in random order to complete 4 conditions of the FRT, 3 trials per condition. These conditions included the standard FRT (hard surface/eyes open), and 3 modified test versions (hard surface/eyes closed, foam surface/eyes open, foam surface/eyes closed). Results: One-way analysis of variance revealed no significant difference in the results when vision and somatosensory input were altered during the FRT. Conclusion: Further research is warranted in this area to determine if there are situations in which the FRT with modified sensory input might lead to additional information that could assist the physical therapist in the treatment of balance disorders and falls