Falling poses a serious health risk for older adults. To be able to take targeted action, a good prognostic falls assessment is important. However, there is no consensus on which tests are most appropriate in specific situations. Aside from reliability and validity, prognostic validity of tests should be examined. This study considered the prognostic validity of a common test that is easy and fast to perform: the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), in combination with a cognitive and a manual dual-task.
The TUG with a cognitive dual-task of counting backwards in threes from a random number between 60 and 100 may be a valid instrument for predicting fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. This modified test shows a better risk prediction than the standard TUG or the TUG with a manual dual-task.
> From: Hofheinz et al., Gerontol Geriatr Med 2 (2017-07-28 09:12:31) 2333721416637798 . All rights reserved to The Author(s) . Click here for the online summary.