Instruments for the assessment of physical balance in the elderly

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the instruments that are most often used to assess seniors for static and dynamic physical balance and risk of falling, both internationally and in Brazil. This was a systematic, qualitative review of the literature for which articles were identifi ed by means of electronically searching the LILACS and MEDLINE databases and from the bibliographic references of work cited in scientifi c papers. Once the instruments had been chosen, their history, utilization and transcultural adaptation were investigated. Many different tests have been developed with the objective of functionally measuring balance and establishing criteria for the identifi cation of those elderly people most susceptible to falls. Based on the selection criteria established, fi ve instruments were chosen with well-established psychometric properties; the Functional Reach Test (FRT), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Physical Performance Test (PPT), the Berg Balance Scale and the balance section of the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment, (POMA), only the last two of which have been adapted for the Portuguese language. It was concluded that to focus attention exclusively on patient signs and symptoms is extremely limited when the intention is to decide which interventions will improve the functional status of an elderly patient and that functional assessment is therefore the starting point for effective rehabilitation of this population. There is a need for evaluation instruments that have been adapted and validated for the Brazilian population, that assess the domain of balance and which contribute to effective intervention.