Age-related balance impairments, falls, and their consequences significantly impact the older population. As a result, all older adults should undergo periodic screening to determine fall risk. Those with risk factors for falls should receive a comprehensive evaluation to more specifically assess those areas of risk and determine which are amendable to remediation. Balance tests and measures are a key component of fall risk evaluation and numerous tools exist. Balance tests may assess static and/or dynamic balance and vary regarding equipment needs, time requirements, and target population. Three simple measures of static balance include the Romberg Test (RT), the Sharpened Romberg Test (SRT), and the Unilateral Stance Test (ULST). The Functional Reach Test (FRT) offers a quick measure of dynamic balance and limits during forward reach. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) are performance-based measures in which patient ability to execute select functional tasks is assessed. These tools each offer valid and reliable means of quantifying balance and fall risk in the older population. How these tools may be used to calculate the percent of disability for use with G-codes is included.

AOTA Cat: 2 Contact Hrs: 6 Instructional Level: Advanced