Functional Reach Test (FRT)

The Functional Reach Test measures how far someone can reach forward while standing still, without taking a step. It is a quick test of standing balance, recommended by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy for stroke and for Parkinson’s disease (stages 2 and 3). It takes about 5 minutes and needs a yardstick on the wall.

How to give the test

1. Mount a yardstick or tape measure on the wall at shoulder height.
2. Have the person stand close to the wall, without touching it, and raise the arm nearest the wall to 90 degrees (straight out in front) with a closed fist.
3. Note the starting position at the knuckle of the middle finger (3rd metacarpal head).
4. Say: “Reach as far as you can forward without taking a step.” Note the end position at the same knuckle.
5. Do two practice trials, then three test trials. The score is the average of the three test trials.

This is a measurement, not a diagnosis. The Functional Reach Test shows how far someone can lean and reach while standing. It can’t tell you whether they will fall or why. Only a licensed health care provider who examines the person can do that.

Reading the result

Higher is better. Published cut-offs (as listed by the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab):

• Community-dwelling older adults: under 7 inches was linked to limited mobility, more restricted daily activities and needing help to leave the neighborhood (Weiner et al., 1992).
• Frail older adults: under 18.5 cm (7.3 in) indicated fall risk (Thomas & Lane, 2005).
• Parkinson’s disease: under 31.75 cm (12.5 in) indicated fall risk (Dibble & Lange, 2006). A stricter 25.4 cm (10 in) cut-off missed most fallers (Behrman et al., 2002).