[Age-related differences in functional tests to assess the risk of falling in patients with knee pain].
In the present cross-sectional study the results of three tests to assess the risk of falling were examined for a correlation with advancing age of the participants. Each of the 188 community dwelling active participants aged 40 years or older with a history of knee pain performed the Timed Up and Go (TUG), the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA, "Tinetti Test") and a less established simple test of dynamic balance, the Four Square Step Test (FSST). Age-related differences in performance in the Timed Up and Go and the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment have been shown in previous studies and are also present in this sample. For the Four Square Step Test an association of test performance and age has been shown for the first time in this study. Further investigation is required to determine the quality of these three tests regarding their ability to assess the risk of falling in patients with knee pain.
Schumacher
Jochen
J
Klinik für Altersmedizin und Frührehabilitation, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Marienhospital Herne, Widumer Strasse 8, 44627 Herne, Germany. jochen.schumacher@rub.de
Pientka
Ludger
L
Thiem
Ulrich
U
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016138:Walking