Development and validation of the balance outcome measure for elder rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and investigate the internal consistency, criterion-related validation, and minimum clinically significant difference of a new standing balance outcome measure for Elder Rehabilitation.


METHODS
Three phases: (1) cross-sectional survey with expert panel, (2) multicenter prospective cohort randomly divided into development and validation datasets, and (3) prospective cohort (single site).


METHODS
Geriatric and rehabilitation units across 2 states in Australia.


METHODS
A total of 1769 admissions across 17 geriatric assessment and rehabilitation units.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
The Balance Outcome Measure for Elder Rehabilitation (BOOMER) consisted of the step test, Timed Up & Go test, Functional Reach Test, and static standing with feet together and eyes closed test. Criterion-related validity was established through comparison to the Modified Elderly Mobility Scale (MEMS) and the FIM motor score.


RESULTS
Items of the BOOMER were already used at a majority of rehabilitation facilities surveyed. The BOOMER showed high levels of internal consistency (Cronbach alpha>.87) and had good correlation with the FIM motor and the MEMS (rho>.72). The minimum clinically significant change in the BOOMER was 3 points over a 17-point scale range.


CONCLUSIONS
The BOOMER is a clinically applicable measure of standing balance among older rehabilitation patients with evidence of content and construct validity.
Haines
Terry
T
Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. Terrence_Haines@health.qld.gov.au
Kuys
Suzanne S
SS
Morrison
Greg
G
Clarke
Jane
J
Bew
Paul
P
McPhail
Steven
S
D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*