During rock and reach forward/backward exercises, what stance should the patient maintain?

The tandem stance pattern is the correct choice for maintaining stability and balance during rock and reach forward/backward exercises. In this stance, one foot is placed in front of the other, which provides a narrower base of support compared to a wide base or shoulder-width stance. This narrow base encourages better postural control, stability, and focuses on weight shifting capabilities, essential for improving coordination and balance.

Additionally, utilizing a tandem stance challenges the individual's proprioceptive system, promoting greater engagement of the core and lower extremity muscles to ensure stability while reaching. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals undergoing rehabilitation, as it mimics the dynamic movements they may encounter in daily activities, ultimately working toward enhancing their functional mobility.

Other stances, like a wide base of support or feet shoulder-width apart, while stable, do not provide the same challenge as a tandem stance, which is valuable for developing the necessary skills to improve balance and mobility. The squatting position, while potentially useful in some contexts, may not be appropriate for the specific movement patterns required in the rock and reach exercise, where a more upright posture and adaptability are needed.