Introduction: The Tinetti performance oriented mobility assessment test (Tinetti POMA) is
an instrument used to assess walking and balance. It is a commonly used instrument, the
Berg balance scale (BBS) and the timed up and go test (TUG) are tests which may alter the
state of balance of older adults. Purpose: The purpose of this diploma paper was to compare
the Tinetti POMA test with BBS and TUG. It was also intended to compare the results of
the Tinetti POMA test of subjects with dementia and without it. Methods: The study
involved 31 subjects, of whom 21 were women and 10 were men. At the time of the trial,
the youngest subject was 74 years old and the oldest was 93 years old. The average age of
all was 84.7 years. Eight subjects were diagnosed with dementia. All subjects were assessed
with the Tinetti POMA test, BBS, and TUG. Data were statistically processed using the
Shapiro-Wilk test, the Spearman test, and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Subjects
performed all three tests in random order. The average score for Tinetti POMA B was 11.35
± 3.56 points. The average score for Tinetti POMA G was 9.06 ± 2.59 points. The average
time taken by subjects to perform the timed get up and go test was 17.51 s ± 9.61 s. On the
Berg balance scale, the mean score was 33.87 ± 13.64 points. Based on the results of
statistical processing, we conclude that there is a strong statistically significant association
between Tinetti POMA B and BBS. There is a moderately strong statistically significant
association between Tinetti POMA G and TUG. The results of subjects with dementia are
lower compared to the results of subjects without dementia. Discussion and conclusion:
There are statistically significant strong associations between Tinetti POMA B and BBS.
The following hypothesis, which claims that there is a statistically significant similarity
between Tinetti POMA G and TUG, was also confirmed. It’s a medium-strong connection.
The results of some studies contradicted the discovery of our study. However, it has been
proven that longer time at TUG and lower scores at Tinetti POMA are associated. Both tests
are recommended to detect balance and primary defects. All subjects who were diagnosed
with dementia and participated in our studies did have lower grades in the Tinetti POMA
test.
|