Relation Between Reach Distance and Center of Pressure Distance for Multidirectional Reach in Hemiplegic Patients.

Background Sitting balance training is an important therapy used by physical and occupational therapists who work with hemiplegic patients. Objective This study compared reach distance (Rd) and center of pressure distance (COPd) for postural control during a multidirectional reaching task in 26 patients with hemiplegia. Method Following the evaluation of trunk function, we classified subjects according to their Chedoke-McMaster assessment stage: group A, stages 5 and 6; group B, stage <4. We used a functional reach apparatus with a body pressure distribution measurement system and a video camera to measure Rd and COPd. Subjects performed multidirectional reaching tasks in the forward/front direction and toward the nonparetic and paretic sides. Resuts Group A showed moderately strong to strong positive correlations between Rd and COPd in all directions, particularly in the forward/front direction. Group B showed lower correlations between Rd and COPd, particularly during tasks where reach was directed toward the paretic side. Conclusion These results suggest that differences in trunk function had an effect on Rd and COPd during multi-directional reaching task.