Comparison of Functional Reach between Fracture Lower Extremity Patients Undergone Internal Reduction and Normal Subjects*

Abstract

Comparison of Functional Reach between Fracture Lower Extremity Patients Undergone Internal Reduction and Normal Subjects*

Somsri               Sukprasert         BSc (Physical Therapy), MA (Kinesiology of the Disabled)**

Chonlada           Klinsukout          BSc (Physical Therapy)**

*This study was supported by The Vajira Research Fund (annual research fund 2000)

**Department of Physical Rehabilitation, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital

Objective: To determine whether the fracture lower extremity patients undergone internal fixation reduction who take full weight on one leg have different balance from that of the normal subjects on initiation of rehabilitation.

Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study.

Setting: Physical therapy training room, BMA Medical Collage and Vajira Hospital.

Subjects: During January 2000 - September 2001, 14 males, aged 16-47 years, inpatients underwent internal fixation due to fracture of one lower extremity. Normal subjects were 20 men, aged 20-46 years.

Methods: Each of both groups was tested for 3 time by standing. lifting one arm forward to reach the maximum distance without losing his balance. The highest distance measured from 3 times testing was used as functional reach.

Main outcome measure: Maximum functional reach.

Results: Mean maximum functional reach of fracture lower extremity patients undergone reduction with internal fixation was 13.59+2.38 inches and that of normal subjects was 16.50+2.37 inches. Means of the maximum functional reach of both groups were significant difference (p