The Tinetti Calculator, also known as the Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment is a widely used clinical tool designed to evaluate balance and gait in older adults.
Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) was developed by Dr. Mary Tinetti in 1986. This assessment has become an essential instrument for healthcare professionals in assessing the risk of falls in elderly patients.
Tinetti Calculator
| Patient | Balance Score (Max 16) | Gait Score (Max 12) | Total Score (Max 28) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 14 | 10 | 24 | Low |
| B | 11 | 9 | 20 | Moderate |
| C | 8 | 7 | 15 | High |
| D | 15 | 11 | 26 | Low |
| E | 10 | 8 | 18 | High |
Calculation Breakdowns:
Patient A
- Balance Score: 14/16
- Gait Score: 10/12
- Total: 14 + 10 = 24
- Interpretation: Low Fall Risk (24-28 range)
Patient B
- Balance Score: 11/16
- Gait Score: 9/12
- Total: 11 + 9 = 20
- Interpretation: Moderate Fall Risk (19-23 range)
Patient C
- Balance Score: 8/16
- Gait Score: 7/12
- Total: 8 + 7 = 15
- Interpretation: High Fall Risk (≤18 range)
Patient D
- Balance Score: 15/16
- Gait Score: 11/12
- Total: 15 + 11 = 26
- Interpretation: Low Fall Risk (24-28 range)
Patient E
- Balance Score: 10/16
- Gait Score: 8/12
- Total: 10 + 8 = 18
- Interpretation: High Fall Risk (≤18 range)
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Tinetti Balance Test Calculation Formula
The Tinetti Balance Test uses a specific scoring system to quantify a person’s balance and gait performance. The calculation formula is based on the sum of points awarded for various tasks in both the balance and gait components of the assessment.
The assessment is divided into two main sections:
- Balance Section (9 items, maximum 16 points)
- Gait Section (7 items, maximum 12 points)
The formula for calculating the total Tinetti score is:
Total Tinetti Score = Balance Score + Gait Score
Each item in both sections is scored on a 2- or 3-point ordinal scale, where:
- 0 points indicate the highest level of impairment
- 1 point indicates an adaptive level of ability
- 2 points (where applicable) indicate normal ability
The maximum total score possible is 28 points, with higher scores indicating better balance and gait performance.
To calculate the score:
- Assess each item in the balance and gait sections
- Assign appropriate points based on the patient’s performance
- Sum up the points for each section separately
- Add the balance and gait section scores to obtain the total Tinetti score
Tinetti score table
The Tinetti score table provides a quick reference for interpreting the results of the assessment. Here’s a breakdown of the scoring system and its interpretation:
| Score Range | Interpretation | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| 24-28 | Low Fall Risk | Low |
| 19-23 | Moderate Fall Risk | Moderate |
| ≤18 | High Fall Risk | High |
Detailed Score Breakdown:
- Balance Score (Maximum 16 points)
- Sitting balance
- Rises from chair
- Attempts to rise
- Immediate standing balance (first 5 seconds)
- Standing balance
- Nudged (subject at max position with feet as close together as possible, examiner pushes lightly on subject’s sternum with palm of hand 3 times)
- Eyes closed (at maximum position of item 6)
- Turning 360 degrees
- Sitting down
- Gait Score (Maximum 12 points)
- Initiation of gait
- Step length and height
- Step symmetry
- Step continuity
- Path deviation
- Trunk stability
- Walking stance
The Tinetti score table helps healthcare professionals to:
- Quickly assess fall risk
- Categorize patients into risk groups
- Determine appropriate interventions based on risk level
- Track changes in balance and gait performance over time
It’s crucial to remember that while the tinetti balance test calculator provides valuable information, it should be used in conjunction with other clinical assessments and the patient’s overall health status to develop a comprehensive fall prevention strategy.
