Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA)

Quantify gait and balance in older adults to track changes over time.

The Tinetti assessment tool is an easily administered task-oriented test that measures an older adult’s gait and balance abilities.

Equipment needed: Hard armless chair, Stopwatch or wristwatch, 15 ft walkway

Completion Time: 10-15 minutes

Scoring: A three-point ordinal scale, ranging from 0-2. “0” indicates the highest level of impairment and “2” the individuals independence. Total Balance Score = 16, Total Gait Score = 12, Total Test Score = 28

Balance Sub-section (Max 16 points)

Initial instructions: Subject is seated in hard, armless chair. The following maneuvers are tested.

Gait Sub-section (Max 12 points)

Initial Instructions: Subject stands with examiner, walks down hallway or across room, first at “usual” pace, then back at “rapid, but safe” pace (using usual walking aids)

Right swing foot

Right foot clears floor

Left swing foot

Left foot clears floor

Results

Balance Sub-score (Max 16):

0

Gait Sub-score (Max 12):

0

Total Score (Max 28):

0

Score Interpretation:

< 19 – High Fall Risk

19-24 – Medium Fall Risk

25-28 – Low Fall Risk

*Tinetti ME. Performance-oriented assessment of mobility problems in elderly patients. JAGS 1986; 34: 119-126.

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