Tinetti Balance Assessment Calculator

Tinetti Balance Assessment Calculator

Gait (0-12): Balance (0-16): Calculate

FAQs

Q1: What is the Tinetti Balance Assessment? A1: The Tinetti Balance Assessment is a clinical tool used by healthcare professionals to evaluate an individual's balance and gait (walking) abilities. It helps assess the risk of falls in older adults and those with balance-related issues.

Q2: Who should undergo the Tinetti Balance Assessment? A2: The assessment is typically administered to older adults, especially those aged 65 and above, and individuals who have experienced falls or have balance and mobility problems.

Q3: What does the Tinetti Assessment measure? A3: The Tinetti Assessment measures two main components: gait (walking ability) and balance. It assigns scores to various tasks and movements within these components to assess a person's functional mobility.

Q4: How is the Tinetti Assessment scored? A4: Each task within the assessment is scored on a scale from 0 to 2, with 0 indicating "unable to perform" and 2 indicating "performed with no impairment." The scores for all tasks are added to calculate the total score, which can range from 0 to 28.

Q5: What do the Tinetti Assessment scores indicate? A5: The total score is used to categorize fall risk:

• 24-28: Low fall risk
• 19-23: Moderate fall risk
• 0-18: High fall risk

Q6: What tasks are included in the Tinetti Assessment? A6: The assessment includes tasks such as sitting balance, arising, immediate standing balance, balance during standing, and walking.

Q7: How long does the Tinetti Assessment take to administer? A7: The assessment typically takes about 10-15 minutes to administer, making it a relatively quick tool for evaluating balance and gait.

Q8: Is the Tinetti Assessment a reliable measure of fall risk? A8: Yes, the Tinetti Assessment is a widely used and validated tool for assessing fall risk in older adults. It has been shown to have good reliability and predictive validity.

Q9: Can the Tinetti Assessment be used as a standalone diagnostic tool for falls? A9: While the Tinetti Assessment is a valuable tool for assessing fall risk, it is usually part of a broader evaluation that includes a medical history, physical examination, and other assessments to determine the underlying causes of falls.

Q10: Can the Tinetti Assessment be used to monitor progress over time? A10: Yes, the Tinetti Assessment can be used for tracking changes in an individual's balance and gait abilities over time. It is often used in rehabilitation settings to measure improvement or decline.