Evaluation of Standing Balance in Hemiplegic Patients Using the Functional Reach Test.

, Lee, Kyoung Moo; , Kang, Jeon Wan; , Han, Soo Hwan

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine 2002;26(6):647-651.

Lee, Kyoung Moo , Kang, Jeon Wan , Han, Soo Hwan

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Korea. kkachi90@lycos.co.kr

Functional Reach Test를 이용한 편마비 환자의 기립위 균형력 평가

이경무·강전완·한수환

충북대학교 의과대학 재활의학교실

Abstract

Objective
To examine the validity of the fuctional reach test (FRT) for evaluation of standing balance in hemiplegic patients.
Method
Twenty three hemiplegic patients who were capable of standing without assistive devices were assessed on the FRT only with intact upper limb, the one-legged stance, the timed up and go test (TUG), the 10 meter walking time (10 mWT), the 'Hauser' ambulation index (AI), and the standing balance of Bohannon.
Results
The forward reach of FRT demonstrated significant correlation with the TUG and the 10 mWT (p＜0.01), but no significant relationship with the one-legged stance, standing balance of Bohannon and AI.
Conclusion
The forward reach of FRT may be simple and useful tool for assessing the clinical balance function and reflecting gait ability and fall-down risk in hemiplegic patients. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2002; 26: 647-651)

Key Words: Standing balance, Hemiplegic gait, Functional reach, Balance measurement