Forward Reach:Group A

Rachel PowellJill Stephenson

Our process

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What is a forward reach?“The task requires moving the body’s center of mass toward the front edge of the base of support in a well controlled manner, and thus is often regarded as an indicator of boundaries of stability.”

Liao and Lin, 2011

When do we need observe this task?

How do you perform the task?

Strategies in action

Strategies: Ankle

Liao and Lin, 2008

Strategies: Hip

Liao and Lin, 2008

Strategies: Mixed

Liao and Lin, 2008

Liao and Lin, 2008

Compensations•Knee flexion•Posterior sway•Raising up on to toes•Trunk rotation

Limitations

Spinal Motion

Cavanaugh, 1999

Averages:Trunk flexion: 51 degThoracolumber Rotation: 11-12 degLateral Flexion: 13 deg

Compensations•Stepping strategy•Widening the BOS•Leaning against support•Counterbalance

Limitation

FEAR

Balance•Postural Sway

Sullivan, 2009

Strength•Plantar Flexors•Trunk Extensors •Hip Extensors

Liao and Lin, 2011

Health conditions•Cognition•Vestibular conditions•Parkinson’s •Stroke•Diabetes

Clinical Correlate: Parkinson’s•Shorter distances compared to age

matched controls ▫On average 6 inches shorter

•Reduced mean A/P and M/L accelerations▫Due to increased muscle tone and

hypokinesia•Increased use of hip strategy

▫Due to the decreased movement in the A/P plane

Hassman, 2014

Why does it matter?