In the Functional Reach Test, how is the maximal forward reach quantified?

In the Functional Reach Test, how is the maximal forward reach quantified?

• A. By measuring the position of the third metacarpal on a yardstick after making a fist
• B. By counting the number of steps taken
• C. By measuring trunk flexion angle
• D. By timing the reach

Answer: (A)

The test assesses how far a person can reach forward from a stable stance, reflecting stability and fall risk. To quantify the maximal forward reach, you set a fixed reference on a measuring device and use the position of the third metacarpal (the middle finger’s metacarpal) as the landmark. With the hand in a consistent fist, the patient reaches as far forward as possible without stepping, and the distance from the starting position to the furthest point marked by the third metacarpal on the yardstick is recorded. This landmark provides a reliable, repeatable measure across trials. The other approaches don’t capture this forward-reach distance: counting steps relates to gait quantity, trunk flexion angle measures a different ROM, and timing assesses speed rather than how far the reach extends.

The test assesses how far a person can reach forward from a stable stance, reflecting stability and fall risk. To quantify the maximal forward reach, you set a fixed reference on a measuring device and use the position of the third metacarpal (the middle finger’s metacarpal) as the landmark. With the hand in a consistent fist, the patient reaches as far forward as possible without stepping, and the distance from the starting position to the furthest point marked by the third metacarpal on the yardstick is recorded. This landmark provides a reliable, repeatable measure across trials.

The other approaches don’t capture this forward-reach distance: counting steps relates to gait quantity, trunk flexion angle measures a different ROM, and timing assesses speed rather than how far the reach extends.