CORRELATION BETWEEN FUNCTIONAL REACH TEST, TIMED UP AND GO TEST, AND SINGLE LEG STAND TEST FOR ASSESSING BALANCE IN PATIENTS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) frequently results in impaired balance, postural
instability, and increased risk of falls. Clinical balance assessment tools such as the
Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Single Leg Stand Test
(SLS) are commonly used to evaluate balance performance; however, the relationship
among these measures in patients with TBI remains insufficiently explored.
Objective: To determine the correlation between the Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and
Go Test, and Single Leg Stand Test in patients with Traumatic Brain Injury.
Methods: An observational correlation study was conducted among 60 patients diagnosed
with TBI. Participants underwent assessment using the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed
Up and Go Test (TUG), and Single Leg Stand Test (SLS). Data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics. Normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Since the data
were not normally distributed, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to determine
the relationships among the outcome measures. Statistical significance was considered at p <
0.05.
Results: The mean age of participants was 37.68 ± 10.22 years, with males constituting
58.33% of the sample. Most participants demonstrated moderate dizziness handicap (65%)
and high fall risk according to the TUG (60%). Functional Reach Test showed moderate fall
risk in 61.67% of participants, whereas 35% were categorized as high fall risk on the Single
Leg Stand Test.
A significant moderate positive correlation was observed between Functional Reach Test
and Timed Up and Go Test (Spearman's r = 0.4114, p = 0.0011). However, the correlation
between Functional Reach Test and Single Leg Stand Test was weak and statistically non-
significant (r = 0.1347, p = 0.3047). A significant association was also observed between
Functional Reach categories and Single Leg Stand categories (χ² = 13.46, p = 0.036).
Conclusion: Functional Reach Test demonstrates a significant relationship with functional
mobility assessed by the Timed Up and Go Test in patients with Traumatic Brain Injury. The
Single Leg Stand Test evaluates a different aspect of postural control and should be used
alongside Functional Reach Test and Timed Up and Go Test for comprehensive balance
assessment. Combining these clinical tests may improve identification of patients at risk of
falls and facilitate individualized rehabilitation planning.