Availability of the Two-step Test to evaluate balance in frail people in a day care service

Abstract

[Purpose] This study evaluated balance tests in users of a day care service who needed nursing care or support, and investigated the usefulness of the Two-step Test for evaluating balance. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were users of a day care service, and had certified need for long-term care or support. All subjects were able to undergo the balance evaluations. Balance tests included the 3-m Timed Up and Go test (TUG), the one-leg standing time, and the Two-step Test. [Results] The Two-step Test and other balance tests were strongly correlated. [Conclusion] In this study of subjects who needed nursing care or support, the results were the same as in a previous study of subjects who did not need nursing care or support. The Two-step Test should be considered as an indicator of balance ability in elderly individuals requiring nursing care or support.