@article{ref1,
title="A comparison of different balance tests in the prediction of falls in older women with vertebral fractures: a cohort study",
journal="Age and ageing",
year="2007",
author="Morris, R. and Harwood, Rowan H. and Baker, Rachel and Sahota, Opinder and Armstrong, S. and Masud, Tahir",
volume="36",
number="1",
pages="78-83",
abstract="BACKGROUND: people with vertebral fractures are at high risk of developing hip fractures. Falls risk is important in the pathogenesis of hip fractures. AIM: to investigate if balance tests, in conjunction with a falls history, can predict falls in older women with vertebral fractures. METHODS: a cohort study of community-dwelling women aged over 60 years, with vertebral fractures. Balance tests investigated were: 5 m-timed-up-and-go-test (5 m-TUG), timed 10 m walk, TURN180 test (number of steps to turn 180 degrees ), tandem walk, ability to stand from chair with arms folded. Leg extensor power was also measured. Outcome measure: fallers (at least one fall in a 12 month follow-up period) versus non-fallers. RESULTS: one hundred and four women aged 63-91 years [mean = 78 +/- 7], were recruited. Eighty-six (83%) completed the study. Four variables were significantly associated with fallers: previous recurrent faller (2+ falls) [OR = 6.52; 95% CI = 1.69-25.22], 5 m-TUG test [OR = 1.03; 1.00-1.06], timed 10 m walk [OR = 1.07; 1.01-1.13] and the TURN180 test [OR = 1.22; 1.00-1.49] [P &lt;0.05]. Multi-variable analysis showed that only two variables, previous recurrent faller [OR = 5.60; 1.40-22.45] and the 5 m-TUG test [OR = 1.04; 1.00-1.08], were independently significantly associated with fallers. The optimal cut-off time for performing the 5 m-TUG test in predicting fallers was 30 s (area under ROC = 60%). Combining previous recurrent faller with the 5 m-TUG improved prediction of fallers [OR = 16.79, specificity = 100%, sensitivity = 13%]. CONCLUSIONS: a previous history of recurrent falls and the inability to perform the 5 m-TUG test within 30 s predicted falls in older women with vertebral fractures. Combining these two measures can predict fallers with a high degree of specificity (although a low sensitivity), allowing the identification of a group of patients suitable for fall and fracture prevention measures.   <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0002-0729",
doi="10.1093/ageing/afl147",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afl147"
}