1Neurophysiotherapist, Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
2Additional Lecturer, All India Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mumbai
Online published on 28 September, 2015.
To study the relationship of age, gender & anthropometric factors on forward and lateral functional reach in standing in normal Indian adults
This study was conducted on 360 Indians (180 males & females) above 21 years from all regions of the country staying in Mumbai (60 subject each in the age group 21–40, 41–69, 70–87 years for both males & females), An attempt was made to include people from all parts of the country. They were evaluated by Functional Reach Test (FRT) in Forward Reach (FR) and Lateral Reach (LR) along with factors of age, gender, and anthropometric characteristics (Height, Shoulder height, Arm length, Trunk length, Leg length, Foot length, Foot breadth)
In both males and females:
1. There was no significant difference (p = 0.029) in the FR and LR measures of subjects selected from the different regions of the country for each age group
2. A strong negative correlation between age and FR as well as LR (r= 0.567, p=<0.0001)
3. A strong positive correlation between FR as well as LR was found (r=0.568, p=<0.0001) for Height, shoulder height, arm length except foot length and trunk length in LR
4. A strong positive correlation between FR and LR (r=0.59, p=<0.0001)
Since factors of age gender & anthropometric measures affect the forward & lateral reach in adults, these factors should be given due consideration while interpreting the values.
Balance, Adult, FRT (Functional Reach Test), FR (Forward Reach), LR (Lateral Reach)
