A Pilot Study to Explore the Predictive Validity of 4 Measures of Falls Risk in Frail Elderly Patients

Abstract

Objectives To test the hypothesis that scores on 4 falls risk measures will differ significantly in patients reporting recurrent falls compared with those who do not; and to explore the validity of each measure to predict such falls status. Design A convenience sample was tested to establish the sensitivity and specificity of the Functional Reach Test, Timed Up & Go test, one-leg stance test (OLST), and balance subsection of the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (B-POMA). A 12-month retrospective falls history was used to identify recurrent fallers. Setting A day hospital for the elderly. Participants Convenience sample of 30 day hospital patients. The inclusion criteria were: ability to rise from a chair and walk 6m; no severe cognitive impairment or blindness; age 65 years or older. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Scores on the 4 tests and retrospective falls histories. Results Scores on the B-POMA and OLST showed significant differences between fallers and nonfallers (P<.05). An OLST time of 1.02 seconds or less (odds ratio [OR]=15.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72–133.95) and B-POMA score of 11 or less (OR=18.5; 95% CI, 2.05–167.79) were predictive of day hospital patients having a history of recurrent falls. Conclusions OLST and B-POMA both have potential as screening tools for risk of falls, but this observation requires confirmation in a prospective study.