Experience in the evaluation of risk of falls. Comparison between the Tinetti and Timed-Up & Go tests

Objective: to compare the Tinetti and Timed Up & Go tests, the characteristics of each of these tests, and their relation with falls in the previous year. Patients and methods: the Tinetti and Timed Up & Go tests were performed by patients in a medium- and long-term care center. Age, body mass index, main diagnosis, the time employed to perform both tests, the presence of a fall in the previous year, functional status (Barthel index), cognitive function (Folstein's mini-mental test) and comorbidity (Charlson index) were also registered. Results: N: 70. Mean age 75.2 (SD, 13.4); Barthel index score 75.1 (15.7); Folstein's mini-mental test 22.5 (5.3); Charlson comorbidity index 1.9 (1.7). The mean Tinetti and Timed Up & Go scores were 18.5 (5.0) points and 32.2 (18.6) seconds, respectively. Both tests showed good correlation (r = -0.80; p < 0.001). The time employed to perform the Tinetti and Timed Up & Go tests was 204.4 (73.9) and 65.8 (27.1) seconds, respectively (p < 0.001). Thirty-three patients had had a fall in the previous year. The area under the ROC curve of the Timed Up & Go and Tinetti tests was 0.626 and 0.582, respectively. Conclusions: a) a good correlation between the two tests was found; b) less time was required by the examiner to administer the Timed Up & Go test, and c) for both tests, it is difficult to establish a cut-off point, with acceptable sensitivity and specificity, for the prediction of fall in the previous year.