1Post graduate Student, Department of Physiotherapy, Father Muller Medical College & Hospital, Mangalore, India
2Lecturer, Medical Rehabilitation Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, KSA
3Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia
4Professor & Deputy Dean, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia
*Corresponding author: Mr. R. Kanagaraj, M.P.T. Lecturer-Physical Therap, Medical Rehabilitation Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences King Khalid University, Abha-62529 KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA. E mail: kanagarajmpt@yahoo.com, Phone: +966 530784265
Online published on 30 June, 2016.
Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) a test which assesses balance and predicts falls. Compared to Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti POMA is a better outcome measure in predicting falls but it is time consuming. Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Timed up and go test (TUG) are simple and easily administered balance tests. In Neuro rehabilitation the outcome measures should be easy and quick to administer. To find a suitable alternative for time consuming Tinetti POMA, this study aimed at assessing the correlation between Tinetti POMA with FRT as well as TUG.
A Cross-Sectional correlation study conducted in hospital & community setting with three months duration. Hundred elderly normal subjects matched for the inclusion criteria were taken for the study. Balance assessed in random sequence with Tinetti POMA, FRT and TUG.
Moderate correlation exists between TUG and POMA (r=-0.56, p=0.00) and fair correlation was obtained between FRT and POMA (r=0.39, p=0.00).
TUG a convenient balance test which can be substituted alone or with FRT to the time consuming Tinetti POMA in assessing balance among elderly.
Functional reach test, Timed up and go test, Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment, Balance
