[Prospective comparison of assessments to evaluate fall risk in a nursing home population].
BACKGROUND
Falls represent the main health risk in the over-60 age group. Therefore, evaluation of the individual fall risk and assessment of fall mechanisms are important preventive tools.


OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to validate a new posturographic measurement system [Interactive Balance System (IBS)] in terms of fall prediction.


METHODS
In all, 108 subjects (mean age: 81.9+/-9.5 years) were submitted to the IBS, as well as other fall risk assessment methods [FES-1, Timed-Up-and-Go Test, Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (Tinetti-Test), Chair-Rising-Test, Tandem stance). The follow-up period of 6 months prospectively recorded all falls using a fall diary.


RESULTS
Of the nursing home residents studied, 25 (23%) fell at least once. The posturographic fall index FI(F1&WDI) (sensitivity: 88%) and the Timed-Up-and-Go Test (PPV: 38%) showed the best results regarding sensitivity and positive prediction value (PPV).


CONCLUSIONS
The IBS and the Timed-Up-and-Go Test proved to be the most powerful assessment tools for fall prediction. Furthermore, the IBS is able to provide a purposeful adaption of preventive sensomotoric interventions.
Schwesig
R
R
Department Sportwissenschaft, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, 06099, Halle/Saale, Deutschland. rene.schwesig@sport.uni-halle.de
Kluttig
A
A
Kriebel
K
K
Becker
S
S
Leuchte
S
S
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005858:Germany; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D009735:Nursing Homes; D004856:Postural Balance; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment
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