Which of the following outcome measure scores would be MOST indicative of high fall risk?

The Functional Reach Test is widely recognized as a reliable measure for assessing balance and fall risk, particularly for older adults. A score of 9 inches on this test indicates a significantly low functional reach, which suggests that the individual has a diminished balance capability. Research supports that scores below 10 inches on the Functional Reach Test are associated with a high risk of falls.

In contrast, higher scores on the other measures indicate better balance and a lower risk of falls. For example, a Berg Balance Scale score of 49 implies good balance, as the maximum score is 56, with higher scores indicating a lower risk. Similarly, a Tinetti (POMA) score of 21 falls into a category that generally indicates moderate risk of falls, and a Timed Up and Go (TUG) score of 9 seconds is considered to be within the normal range for mobility, reflecting a lower risk of falls. Thus, the 9-inch score from the Functional Reach Test is the most concerning indication of fall risk among the options provided.