Functional Reach Test between Dominant and Non Dominant Leg: A Cross-sectional Study

• Published in: Journal of clinical and diagnostic research Vol. 19; no. 8; pp. YC27 - YC30
• Main Author: Alyahya, Danah Mohammed
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited 01.08.2025
• Subjects: functional laterality; lower extremity; physical therapists; postural balance
• DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2025/77277.21327
• ISSN: 2249-782X

Introduction: Elderly individuals with balance disorders are vulnerable to falls. To prevent such events, it is imperative to evaluate and recognise the underlying causes of balanceassociated issues. The functional reach test measures limits of stability and balance and does not require any special apparatus. The body weight bearing is greater on the dominant side. However, there is no scientific literature on the side preference (right or left) for performing a functional reach test. Aim: To determine the difference in functional reach test scores between the non dominant and the dominant leg. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al-majmaah, Saudi Arabia, from May 2023 to September 2023. A total of 64 healthy individuals were included. Basic demographics such as age, height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and foot dominance data, were gathered. The dominant foot was established by asking participants which leg they use while kicking a ball. For the outcome measure of the difference in functional reach test scores between the non dominant and dominant leg, participants were subjected to a functional reach test, which assesses an individual’s postural stability. Independent samples t-test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) were applied for statistical evaluation. A p-value <0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: A total of 64 healthy subjects participated. The mean functional reach test scores for the right side were 13.22±2.64, while the left side was 12.81±2.68. A trend was noted for a higher functional reach test score for the right side in the dominant compared to that of the non dominant side (p-value=0.076). There was also no significant difference in the adjusted mean functional reach test scores of the right side (p-value=0.134) and left side (p-value=0.266) between the two groups after controlling for gender and BMI categories. Conclusion: The findings did not demonstrate statistically significant differences in functional reach test scores between the non dominant and dominant legs. These results imply that physical therapists could utilise functional reach test scores from both legs as a reference when evaluating unilateral balance function.