Practice Balance Test in Research and Clinical Use

抄録

Falls are a common problem in the elderly. A common error in their management is that injury from the fall is treated, without finding its cause. Thus a proactive approach is important to screen for the likelihood of fall in the elderly. Fall assessment usually includes a focused history and a targeted examination. The healthcare costs of falls (hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, equipment, home health services, and institutionalization) are really costly. The emotional, physical, and personal costs to the individual are even higher. Most falls could be prevented by a vigilant physician anticipating, assessing, and correcting fall risks, which may be medical, mechanical, or environmental. The impact of chronic disease and medication, balance and gait, and home risks should be assessed routinely. Balance and gait should be evaluated in clinical practice with the Timed Up and Go test. Balance only can be evaluated in clinical practice with One Leg Stance Test, Functional Reach Test, Rhomberg Test and Tandem Walk Test. Balance and gait should be comprehensive evaluated in research with Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti Balance and Gait test. The test results will indicate areas of further investigation. Fall prevention through proper assessment and intervention will not only decrease morbidity and mortality, but will also help maintain patient independence and quality of life. There are several balance and gait tests in researches as Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti Balance and Gait test with highly specificity to fall. The proper selection of balance test will enhance the objective of the research. Optimization of balance test both in clinical practice and in research will increase efficacy of walking, promote fall prevention and improve quality of life.