Test: Finger-Floor Distance

Video Link

Background/Purpose

The Finger Floor Distance (FFD) test, also known as the Fingertip-to-Floor Distance test, is a clinical assessment tool used to measure spinal flexion and overall flexibility of the posterior kinetic chain. This test primarily evaluates lumbar spine mobility and the flexibility of the hamstrings, hip joints, and thoracolumbar spine. It is commonly used in orthopedic and rheumatology settings to assess patients with low back pain, ankylosing spondylitis, and other spinal conditions. The FFD test provides a quick, simple, and objective measurement that can be used to monitor disease progression, treatment effectiveness, and functional limitations related to spinal mobility.

Procedure

Patient Position:
The patient stands barefoot on a flat, level surface with feet hip-width apart (approximately 10-15 cm between the feet)
Knees must remain fully extended (straight) throughout the test
Arms should hang loosely at the sides initially

Procedure:
Instruct the patient to stand in an upright, neutral position
Ask the patient to bend forward slowly at the hips, attempting to touch the floor with their fingertips
The patient should reach downward as far as possible while keeping the knees straight
Encourage maximum forward flexion without bouncing or using momentum
The patient should hold the end position briefly (1-2 seconds) while the measurement is taken
Measure the vertical distance from the tip of the middle finger to the floor using a measuring tape or ruler
Record the distance in centimeters
If the patient can touch the floor, record the measurement as 0 cm or note that the floor was reached
The test can be repeated 2-3 times, with the best result recorded
Important Notes:
The patient must keep knees locked in extension throughout the test
The movement should be smooth and controlled, not ballistic
Document any pain or discomfort reported during the test
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

The patient stands with straight knees and bends forward at the hips, attempting to touch the floor while the vertical distance from fingertips to floor is measured in centimeters.

Criteria

• Fingertip-to-floor distance less than 10 cm, indicating limited spinal flexion and/or hamstring flexibility
• No pain
• Symmetry of motion

Measurement

<10 cm cm

LOINC Code

Scale/Grading

selection range; grade - LOINC ID
Option - Value option selection range; grade - LOINC IDPass cm ; Pass - Fail cm ; Fail -