Effect of a controlled starting position on the relationship between the forward reach distance and movement distance of the center of pressure in the functional reach test using the ankle joint strategy

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify whether the distribution range of the forward reach distance and the relationship between the forward reach distance and the movement distance of the center of pressure differed depending on whether the controlled starting standing position during the functional reach test with an ankle joint strategy. [Participants and Methods] Sixteen healthy male volunteers participated in the study. The distribution range of the forward reach distance and the relationship between the forward reach distance and movement distance of the center of pressure in the controlled starting standing position and non-controlled starting standing position conditions were analyzed. [Results] The distribution range of the forward reach distance was significantly smaller in the controlled starting standing position than in the non-controlled starting standing position. In both groups, the forward reach distance was associated with the movement distance of the center of pressure. [Conclusion] The findings suggested that the use of an ankle joint strategy with a controlled starting standing position in the functional reach test may be a more accurate method to evaluate standing balance ability.