Abstract
Modified functional reach test is valid and reliable tool to assess sitting balance in children in forward and lateral direction. Normative data of modified functional reach test for school going children has not been established yet in central India, as well correlation of anthropometric data with reach distance values not studied, hence this study was undertaken. Total 280 children (6 to 12 years), 140 Boys and 140 Girls, were selected by stratified random sampling method, subdivided into 7 subgroups (10B, 10G in each group) from two schools. Height was measured using stature meter, trunk length and leg length were measured using measuring tape, weight was measured using weighing machine, spinal flexibility was tested with the help of sit and reach test, hamstring angle was measured using goniometer by 90-90 test. Child reached with dominant shoulder at 90 degree of flexion and abduction in forward and lateral direction respectively while sitting on height adjustable stool with hip and knee at 90 degrees and feet placed neutral on ground. The reach distance was measured using a yard stick mounted on the wall, at the height of child’s shoulder. The mean of three successive trials was calculated. Karl Pearson correlation moment product was used to determine correlation between age, gender and anthropometric measurements with modified forward and lateral reach. Normal values of modified forward and lateral reach were observed as 19.53 to 26.48cm and 17.68 to 22.50cm respectively. Height and weight correlated significantly with modified functional reach values. Keywords: Sitting balance assessment, School children, Modified functional reach, Modified lateral reach, Height, Weight.
Highlights
Balance is the condition in which all the forces acting on the body are balanced so that the centre of mass (COM) is within the limits of stability and the boundaries of base of support (BOS).[1]
Correlation of mFRT and mLRT with anthropometric measures, trunk flexibility and hamstring angle (Table 3, 4): The values of mFRT and mLRT increases with age in both genders and showed a highly significant correlation with height, leg length, trunk length
The current study found that the modified functional reach test values were affected by the factors such as height and weight in both genders
Summary
Balance is the condition in which all the forces acting on the body are balanced so that the centre of mass (COM) is within the limits of stability and the boundaries of base of support (BOS).[1] The ability to maintain a posture such as balancing in a standing or sitting position, is operationally defined as static balance.[1] The ability to maintain postural control during movements, such as reaching for an object or walking across objects, is operationally termed as dynamic balance[1]. Balance emerges from a complex interaction of sensory systems (afferent-visual, cutaneous, proprioceptive), motor systems (effector- muscles, bones, joints), vestibular system and central nervous system (CNS).[1] These systems work in a coordinated way in order to maintain static postures and during dynamic tasks.[1] These systems independently predominate at various rates as age advances. Infants and young children (aged 4 months-2 years) are dependent on the visual system to maintain balance. At 7-10 years of age, children are able to resolve a sensory conflict and appropriately utilize the vestibular system as a reference along with other systems.[1]
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