Assessment of the Construct and Criterion Validity Between Fall Risk Screening Measures (Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance Versus Timed Up and Go Test)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between fall risk screening tools to determine whether they yield similar results and to compare the accuracy of these tools in predicting fall risk within the geriatric population. An additional objective was to evaluate the concurrent validity of a mobile phone accelerometer screening compared to standard force plate technology during assessments. Method: An experimental validity study was conducted evaluating the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (m-CTSIB) within a group of 20 older adults. The m-CTSIB was measured by both an accelerometer and force plate simultaneously. The subjects' history of falls was recorded, which categorized individuals into “faller” and “nonfaller” groups. Results: The results of the m-CTSIB and the TUG were not significantly correlated, suggesting that the two measures most likely assess different factors contributing to an individual's fall risk. Neither screening measure was successful in predicting fall history, which indicates reported fall history may not be accurate representations of an individual's objective balance performance. The accelerometer and force plate demonstrated a significant correlation in limited conditions of the m-CTSIB supporting encouraging validity specific to more challenging balance conditions. Conclusions: This study suggests that the m-CTSIB and the TUG may not be appropriate for interchangeable use and lack substantial clinical utility as standalone assessments or when used in combination. Self-reported fall history may not be a true representation of an individual's history or an accurate marker to compare an individual's performance in objective balance measures. Further research is needed to establish an effective set of balance screening tools that objectively assess fall risk. The additional aim of the study found that the accelerometer may not be suitable for measuring sway across all m-CTSIB conditions; however, it may hold potential for evaluating more complex balance tasks.