Sensitivity to change and responsiveness of four balance measures for community-dwelling older adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Impaired balance has a significant negative impact on mobility, functional independence, and fall risk in older adults. Although several, well-respected balance measures are currently in use, there is limited evidence regarding the most appropriate measure to assess change in community-dwelling older adults.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare floor and ceiling effects, sensitivity to change, and responsiveness across the following balance measures in community-dwelling elderly people with functional limitations: Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment total scale (POMA-T), POMA balance subscale (POMA-B), and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI).

Design

Retrospective data from a 16-week exercise trial were used. Secondary analyses

SUBMITTER: Pardasaney PK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3291380 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature