Strength and Balance Tests for the Elderly

Question 1

Q: What are the 3 balance assessments?

Answer 1

1. Functional Reach
2. Four-Square Step Test
3. Wall Occiput Distance

Question 2

Q: What are the 3 strength assessments?

Answer 2

1. Chair Rise
2. Arm Curl Test
3. Grip Strength

Question 3

Functional Reach:

1. Measure ht of
2. Start position
3. Cue
4. Measurement

Answer 3

1. Dominant Acromion
2. Shld flex to 90, distal end of 3rd MC at 0 mark
3. “Reach forward as far as possible without losing your balance, touching the wall, or taking a step
4. Average of 3 trials

Question 4

Functional Reach Average Score (in inches)

Men

Women

Answer 4

M: 13-16.73

W: 10-14.64

Question 5

Functional Reach: Modified Starting Position

Answer 5

Unsupported sitting position

Question 6

Functional Reach: Compensations to Watch for

Answer 6

1. Heel rise
2. Twisting
3. Use of both hands

Question 7

Four-Square Step Test:

1. Cue
2. Error in Trial
3. Measurement
4. Tape

Answer 7

1. Move as fast as possible, both feet must make contact in each square
   - Flat foot must be achieved
2. = loss of balance, touch bar, then repeat trail
3. Time two trails, take best score
4. Not a valid test, need something to step over

Question 8

Four-Square Step Test Cutoff Scores (2)

Answer 8

1. > 12 = 1+ risk factor for fall 2. > 15 = fall risk, 2x in 6 mo

Question 9

Wall Occiput Distance:

1. Goal
2. Positive Test
3. Measurement

Answer 9

1. Heels, back and head against wall
2. Head against wall
3. Distance between occiput and wall

Question 10

Wall Occiput Scores (2)

Answer 10

1. > 7 cm rules in thoracic fx
2. 0 cm reduces chance of thoracic fx, does NOT rule out

Question 11

Chair Rise Test:

1. Assesses
2. Start Position
3. Timing

Answer 11

1. LE strength
2. Seated with arms across chest
3. Reps in 30 sec or time to complete 5 or 10 reps

Question 12

Chair Rise: Scores

Community Dwelling Men

Community Dwelling Women

Answer 12

M: 13.2-15 sec

W: 14.4-16.1 sec

Question 13

TUG Mobility Scoring

1. High
2. Typical
3. Slower
4. Diminished

Answer 13

1. < 10 sec
2. 10-19
3. 20-29
4. 30+

Question 14

TUG:

1. Distance
2. Cue

Answer 14

1. 3 m or 10 ft
2. “On the word GO, you are to get up, walk at a comfortable and safe pace to the cone, turn around, return to the chair, and sit down again

Question 15

Q: A score of > ___ on the TUG indicates fall risk

Answer 15

10

Question 16

TUG: Notes

Answer 16

1. Pass/go around tape
2. Chair must have arms

Question 17

Arm Curl Test:

1. Wt for Men
2. Wt for Women
3. Cue
4. Timing

Answer 17

1. 8 lb
2. 5 lb
3. Max extension and flexion
4. Reps in 30 sec

Question 18

Arm Curl Test: Form

Answer 18

Make sure pt. achieves full extension and flexion

Question 19

Grip Strength Test:

1. Starting position
2. Starting hand
3. Measurement

Answer 19

1. Shld add, neutral rot, elbow flex to 90, forearm neutral, wrist between 0-30 degrees extension
2. Dominant
3. 3 trials lasting 2-4 sec, rest 1 min between, record best score

Question 20

Q: With any type of Strength and Balance testing you should always do what 2 things?

Answer 20

1. Demonstrate the test
2. Guard for balance