Abstract
The Functional Reach Test (FRT) is commonly used to assess fall risk in older adults. This study assessed differences in performance of the FRT as described by Duncan et al using the mean of 3 trials (Mean 3 trials) versus performing only 1 or 2 trials. Eighty-nine individuals, mean age 84.2, participated in the study. The FRT was administered according to protocol with 3 trials. Paired sample t tests were performed to determine the difference between the Mean 3 trials and Trial 1, Trial 2, and the average of 2 trials (Mean 2 trials). Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were used to look at the relationship between the Mean 3 trials and each measurement, while the [kappa] statistic measured the agreement categorically ([alpha] level = .05). Mean FRT score derived from 3 trials was 7.0 +/- 3.1 in. The scores were 6.8 +/- 3.3 in for Trial 1; 7.0 +/- 3.4 in for Trial 2; and 6.9 +/- 3.1 in for Mean 2 trials. Values of the paired sample t tests were not significant for any of the relationships, and r was greater than 0.90, with a significance at the .01 level for each relationship. The [kappa] comparing Mean 3 trials and Trial 1 was 0.64; Trial 2 was 0.80; and Mean 2 trials was 0.84. All comparisons resulted in similar measures. Mean 2 trials was most similar to the FRT measurement based on Mean 3 trials.