Performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA) balance score indicates need for assistive device.
OBJECTIVE
To determine (1) if older adults using an assistive device (AD) score lower on the Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) balance subscale (B-subscale) than individuals not using an AD; and (2) if a cut-score of 12 would indicate the need to use an AD.


METHODS
Elderly persons (n = 82, mean age = 82.1 years) were surveyed about AD use, health status, activity level and fall history. A one-time assessment of balance was conducted using the B-subscale. The 'arising task' was repeated to evaluate performance on the sit-to-stand task without using hands.


RESULTS
A significant difference in B-subscale scores was observed between the two groups (AD; no AD), (P < 0.001). AD use was associated with lower activity level and health status. A cut-score of 12 points indicated device use (P = 0.000). The repeated 'arising task' demonstrated that 76.8% performed the task without using hands for support.


CONCLUSIONS
Older adults using an AD will score lower on the B-subscale and report lower activity level and health status. A score of less than 12 on the B-subscale is indicative of AD need. Older adults who use an AD and self-report a falls history will score lower on the B-subscale than individuals using an AD and no reported history of falls.
Mitchell
Kathryn D
KD
Drexel University, Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences, 245 N. 15th Street, MS 502, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA. Kathryn.D.Mitchell@drexel.edu
Newton
Roberta A
RA
D000367:Age Factors; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002183:Canes; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D004856:Postural Balance; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D013223:Statistics as Topic