Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating, measuring and recording a subject's ability to perform a varying range of barrier reaches is provided. The apparatus includes a variable barrier reach instrument for simulating an actual barrier that the subject may lean against in performing a work task The variable barrier reach instrument may include a physical barrier having a substantially horizontal upper surface at a height above a base point. A sensing and recording device may be positioned proximate to the variable barrier reach instrument for sensing and recording a plurality of barrier reach data points as the subject bends forward against the physical barrier. A computer and an associated software program are also provided into which the recorded data points are entered. An algorithm may be contained within the software program that generates an interpolated arc reflecting the subject's reach at the physical barrier height from the recorded data points.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a subject's ability to perform a varying range of barrier reaches is provided. The apparatus includes a barrier having a substantially horizontal upper surface at a height above a base point. A sensing and recording device is positioned adjacent to the barrier for sensing and recording a plurality of data points. A marking device for grasping by the subject engages the sensing and recording device for creating the plurality of data points as the subject bends forward against the barrier. The data points are recorded and converted into an interpolated arc reflecting the subject's reach at the barrier height.