Balance and Proprioception: Star Excursion Sitting Test (SEST)

Short Article Summary

The Star Excursion Sitting Test adapts star-style reach testing into a seated position. Exact peer-reviewed evidence for this specific MAT test is limited, so interpretation should be based on standardised setup, baseline comparison and related evidence from dynamic reaching and balance assessments.

Introduction

Seated reach tests can be useful when standing balance is not appropriate or when the professional wants to focus on seated trunk control and reaching capacity.

Quick Summary

Test name: Star Excursion Sitting Test
Category: Seated dynamic reach / trunk control
Primary score: Reach distance by direction
Best use: Seated reach baseline and retest
Key limitation: Exact-test evidence and norms are limited.

What Is the Assessment?

The client sits in a standardised position and reaches in multiple directions while maintaining seated control.

Why It Is Used

Used to assess seated reaching capacity, trunk control, movement symmetry and progress over time.

What It Measures

It may reflect seated postural control, trunk mobility, reach capacity, confidence, upper-limb contribution and directional asymmetry.

Who It Is Used For

Useful for clients where standing dynamic balance is not appropriate, seated movement screening and trunk-control monitoring.

Equipment Required

• Chair or bench of recorded height
• Floor or wall reach markings
• Measuring tape or Measurz AR measurement
• Optional Measurz inclinometer for trunk angle
• Optional Measurz stopwatch for timed versions
• Measurz/MAT platform for reach direction, distance, symptoms and retest comparison

Step-by-Step Protocol

1. Seat the client in a standardised position.
2. Record chair height and foot support.
3. Mark reach directions.
4. Client reaches as far as possible in the target direction without losing seated balance.
5. Record reach distance.
6. Repeat directions consistently.
7. Record symptoms, compensations and confidence.

Scoring and Interpretation

Record reach distance by direction, side/direction asymmetry, chair height, foot position and symptoms.

Normative Data, Benchmarks or Reference Values

Formal exact-test norms are limited.

Practical field guidance only:

• Compare baseline and retest.
• Compare right versus left reach.
• Record chair height and foot position.
• Use the same reach directions each time.

Reliability and Validity

Exact-test evidence is limited. Use related dynamic reach and balance evidence only as indirect support. The Functional Reach Test has strong evidence as a reach-based balance assessment, but it is not the same as the seated star excursion format.  

Common Errors and Limitations

Changing chair height, moving feet, using arm swing inconsistently, losing seated position and comparing different reach grids.

Practical Applications

Useful for seated trunk control, reach asymmetry, baseline tracking and movement confidence monitoring.

How to Record This in Measurz/MAT

Record chair height, reach direction, reach distance, symptoms, compensations and retest date. Use Measurz AR measurement for distance.

FAQs

Are there formal norms? Not for this exact test.
Is this the same as SEBT? No, it is a seated adaptation.
What is the main score? Reach distance by direction.
Can it be used for retesting? Yes, if setup is consistent.

Key Takeaways

• Seated dynamic reach test.
• Exact norms are limited.
• Standardise chair and foot position.
• Baseline comparison is best.
• Measurz can track reach direction and distance.

References

Duncan, P. W., Weiner, D. K., Chandler, J., & Studenski, S. (1990). Functional reach: A new clinical measure of balance. Journal of Gerontology, 45(6), M192–M197.  

Perracini, M. R., Ricci, N. A., & others. (2019). Usefulness, assessment and normative data of the Functional Reach Test in older adults: A systematic review. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 81, 149–170.