A method to measure reaching capacity of children with neuromuscular disorders.

PROBLEM The measurement of quantitative changes in upper-extremity skills has been limited by the lack of objective standardized measures and, therefore, reaching tasks have been subjectively defined. SOLUTION A frame made from PVC tubing was constructed to assist in measuring the parameters of vertical, horizontal, and cross midline functional reach of children with neuromuscular disorders, and a measurement protocol was adopted for obtaining the measures of reach. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE Suggestions for assuring consistency in measurements and further exploration of the number of sessions required to determine a child's best reaching effort are put forth.