Functional Reach Test
Also written as: FRT — Functional Reach Test
A standardised clinical balance assessment measuring the maximum distance a patient can reach forward beyond arm's length while maintaining a fixed base of support, used in prosthetic rehabilitation to assess fall risk and balance.
Full Definition
The Functional Reach Test (FRT) is a validated outcome measure developed by Duncan et al. (1990) that quantifies anterior dynamic balance by measuring how far a standing subject can reach forward with a raised arm without taking a step. In prosthetic rehabilitation, it is used to assess balance confidence and fall risk in lower-limb prosthesis users, particularly following prosthetic fitting. Clinical progress notes, functional outcome sections of reports, and research manuscripts will reference the FRT by full name and acronym. Editors should capitalise all main words and note that 'Functional Reach Test' is a proper name for a specific validated instrument, not a generic descriptive phrase.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalise as a proper noun ('Functional Reach Test'). Expand the acronym on first use. Do not conflate with other balance assessments such as the Berg Balance Scale.
In Context
- "The Functional Reach Test score improved from 18 cm at initial fitting to 31 cm at the six-week follow-up." — Prosthetic rehabilitation outcome report
- "The manuscript listed the FRT without expanding the acronym on first use; the editor added 'Functional Reach Test (FRT)' at the point of introduction." — Academic manuscript copy-editing note