Forward and lateral sitting functional reach in younger, middle-aged, and older adults

We adapted the original Functional Reach so that sitting balance could be quantifiably measured in 2 directions. Purposes of the study were to determine if sitting forward or lateral reach: (1) are reliable among younger, middle-aged, and older adults without balance problems; (2) provide reference values for clinicians; and (3) examine factors (age and anthropometrics) that may influence such measures.

This descriptive study involved 146 apparently healthy adults in 3 age groups: 62 younger (21 to 39 yr), 41 middle-aged (40 to 59 yr), and 43 older (60 to 97 yr). After anthropometric measurements were obtained, participants reached forward and laterally (shoulder elevated 90 degrees) with a closed fist while sitting in a chair. Intrarater reliability was calculated on a subset of 84 participants.

Intrarater reliability of sitting forward and lateral reach measured with a yardstick was excellent (ICC3,1 = .98 and .96 respectively). Means and standard deviations by age group and sex are reported. Regression analysis showed that body segment anthropometrics did not affect performance. Differences between age groups for both the sitting reaches were found. Post hoc analysis revealed that older participants differed from both younger and middle-aged participants.

Forward and lateral reach from the seated position can be reliably measured and offer therapists a way to quantify sitting balance. This study provides reference values for younger, middle-aged, and older adults for clinical use. While anthropometrics do not affect performance, older adults perform differently from younger and middle-aged adults.