What is the typical normative forward reach distance for healthy older adults on the Functional Reach Test?

• A. 5 inches
• B. 10–12 inches
• C. 15–20 inches
• D. 25–30 inches

Answer: (B)

The Functional Reach Test measures how far you can lean forward in a fixed stance without stepping, reflecting your limits of stability and anticipatory balance. In healthy older adults, this forward reach is typically about 10 to 12 inches. This range appears because aging often brings modest reductions in ankle dorsiflexion, hip and trunk flexibility, and sensory integration, which collectively limit how far you can lean forward safely. Distances around 5 inches would suggest a more compromised balance, while values in the 15–20 inch or 25–30 inch range are more typical of younger individuals with greater balance and flexibility. So, 10–12 inches is the normative standard for healthy older adults.