Oblique direction reach test: a pilot test to measure limits of stability in oblique direction and its psychometric properties

Abstract

Background: Activities of daily living require balance in oblique direction and persons with neurological
disorders have balance issues in oblique direction for performing functional tasks. There is dearth of literature
for assessing dynamic balance in oblique direction.

Objectives: To establish and report reference values for oblique direction reach test and to assess the validity
and reliability of the oblique direction reach test in Saudi young adults.

Methods: Two hundred and six medical students (120 males, 86 females) were recruited by random sampling for
this study. Subjects had been measured for distance reached oblique, forward, lateral direction on a graph paper,
which was mounted on a white board.

Results: The mean and standard deviation for oblique direction reach was 22.06 7.17 cm. A positive correlation
was observed between oblique reach and height with r - value of 0.56 (P < 0.01). The intra and inter-rater reliability
shown with intraclass correlation coefficiency value of 0.97 and 0.86, respectively (P < 0.001). Concurrent
validity with forward reach test and lateral reach test shown with r - value of 0.78 and 0.73, respectively (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: We established the normal values for oblique direction reach test in Saudi young adults. This test
is valid and reliable for measuring limits of stability in oblique direction.