Validity and Reliability of the Balance Outcome Measure for Elder Rehabilitation

The balance assessment scale in geriatric rehabilitation has been specially developed for use in the rehabilitation of geriatric individuals in terms of its efficiency in terms of time and resources, its adequate reflection of standing balance structure, and its validity and sensitivity to change. The Balance Assessment Scale in Geriatric Rehabilitation consists of the Step Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test, and Static Balance Test while standing with eyes closed. These measurements can be evaluated by physical therapists to assess the fundamental areas of standing balance structure (static, dynamic, functional). Subsequently, the performance in each of these four measurements is converted into a 5-point ranking scale from 0 to 4, with 4 representing good balance performance, resulting in a total score out of 16. This scale demonstrates high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87) and has good validity with the motor component of the Functional Independence Scale and the Modified Old Age Mobility Scale. However, its validity and reliability in Turkish have not yet been investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the Balance Outcomes Scale in geriatric rehabilitation.