Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA)

The Tinetti POMA allows clinicians to assess balance and gait in older adults to predict fall risk. This observational test helps healthcare teams plan care to keep patients safe and mobile.

Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) PDF form for assessing gait and balance.
POMA

Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA)

The Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) tests gait and balance to predict fall risk in older adults. By scoring tasks like rising and turning, this tool highlights stability issues. It's a standard way for clinicians to assess mobility and prevent dangerous falls.

Category

Mobility
Physical health
Rehabilitation
Movement System

Disease

Assessment
Geriatrics
Rehabilitation
Clinical Measurement

Source

(Tinetti, 1986)

Author Name

Tinetti, M.E. (1986)

What is Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA)

The Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) is a trusted tool used to check balance and gait in older adults to identify fall risks. This measure splits into two clear sections that look at static balance and dynamic walking ability. It helps clinicians see how well a patient moves during daily tasks. The balance part covers sitting and standing, while the gait section watches step length and path. Items use a three-point scale from zero to two, where higher numbers mean better independence and lower scores suggest a higher chance of taking a tumble. It takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes to finish and needs no fancy equipment, making it great for busy clinics or nursing homes. Doctors frequently use it for stroke or Parkinson's patients. It provides a total score out of 28 to help guide physical therapy plans and keep seniors safe on their feet.

POMA Scoring

The Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment can be scored using a cumulative point system across two subscales. 1. Balance Section: Clinicians rate nine manoeuvres like sitting and rising on a scale of 0 to 2. The max score here is 16. 2. Gait Section: Seven walking tasks get rated 0 to 2 based on step length and symmetry, topping out at 12 points. Adding these gives a total out of 28. Generally, a score below 19 suggests a high fall risk, while 19 to 24 indicates moderate risk. It is a handy way to spot stability issues early on.

View scoring form

Advantages

User-friendly

Simple to understand and complete for patients.

Reliable data

Provides consistent measurements for clinical research.

Treatment planning

Develops personalised strategies based on assessment data.

15
Minutes
20
Questions

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