Prospective comparison of assessments to evaluate fall risk in a nursing home population

• Published in: Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie 2009-12, Vol.42 (6), p.473-478
• Main Authors: Schwesig, R, Kluttig, A, Kriebel, K, Becker, S, Leuchte, S
• Format: Article
• Language: ger
• Subjects: Accidental Falls - prevention & control; Accidental Falls - statistics & numerical data; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Gait; Geriatric Assessment - methods; Geriatric Assessment - statistics & numerical data; Germany; Homes for the Aged; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mobility Limitation; Nursing Homes; Postural Balance; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Risk Assessment
• ISSN: 1435-1269
• DOI: 10.1007/s00391-009-0050-8

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