The FRT was originally designed as a simple reach test designed to assess standing balance. It was then modified by Lynch et al. (1998) to assess sitting balance in individuals with SCI (i.e. modified FRT). Balance is defined as the ability to maintain control over upright posture during forward reach without stabilization.

Number of items: N/a

Procedure/Administration: The individual is seated on a bench and the maximum distance forward they could reach is measured with the upper extremity flexed to 90 degrees. The anatomical landmark is the ulnar styloid process. No weight bearing is allowed through the non reaching arm. The individual is allowed two practice trials and then the following three trials are recorded. 

How scored: The average of the three trials is reported in either cm or inches. 

Interpretability: No normative data exists for the mFRT for any health care condition at this time. 

Acceptability: The mFRT has been developed specifically for individuals with SCI. As long as an individual has 90 degrees of shoulder flexion, he/she can complete the test.

Languages: N/a

Usability: The mFRT requires an individual to have 90 degrees of shoulder flexion and it is therefore not suitable for individuals with limited range of motion or musculoskeletal deformity. 

Time to administer: N/a

Time to score: N/a

Training required: A meter stick/yardstick (attached horizontally to the wall); seat (mat or bench approximately 61 cm in width); and a backboard (at an angle of 80 degrees).

Summary:

• The mFRT mimics a very functional activity that is required in daily living. It can distinguish between individuals who have abdominal and back extensors (i.e. high tetraplegia/high paraplegia versus low paraplegia) but not between individuals with high lesions. 

Psychometric Summary:

Note: TR= Test re-test; IC= Internal Consistency; Inter-O= Inter-observer; Intra-O= Intra-observer; SS= Sensitivity/Specificity; N/a= No information.

Red light= A single study involving SCI subjects which has less than adequate findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Yellow light= A single study involving subjects with SCI which has adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Green light= At least 2 studies involving subjects with SCI which have adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

References

• Lynch SM, Leahy P, Barker SP. Reliability of measurements obtained with a modified functional reach test in subjects with spinal cord injury. Phys Ther 1998;78:128-133.
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