Ch. 17 Balance Interventions

Question 1

Berg Balance Scale

Answer 1

Measuring balance across 14 tasks
15-20 min
Strength: Measures many aspects of balance, consistent reports of reliability and evidence of validity
Weakness: Long administration time, has floor and ceiling effects, not predictive of falls

Question 2

Functional Reach test

Answer 2

Assess the functional standing balance performance of older adults
1-2 minutes
Strength: Brief, functional test, excellent reliability evidence of validity
Weakness: Sensitivity is borderline

Question 3

Tinetti Performance oriented mobility assessment (POMA)

Answer 3

Measure balance and gait of older adults to determine mobility status and changes over time and determine the risk of fall
3 measures: overall gait, overall balance, and combined
10-15 min
Strength: Brief administration time, reliable and valid tool for assessing mobility status
Weakness: The gait subtest has lower reliability and validity, limiting the ability of the POMA scale for predicting falls

Question 4

Timed up and Go test (TUG)

Answer 4

Measure for assessing functional mobility, balance, and risk of falling
1-2 minutes
Strength: Brief, reliable, valid measure of functional mobility, good test-retest
Weakness: May not be accurate in predicting falls. May be more appropriate for older persons who are frail or use mobile aids, does not address performance while performing a simultaneous motor task