Comparison of obstacle course test and clinical balance scale in 65 years old individuals

Aim: Our study targeted to determine the balance problems and factors causing participation limitation by evaluating the elderly individuals in daily life conditions. Method: 40 subjects over 65 years of age were included in the study. Name, surname, age, height, weight, profession, fall history, hearing problem, vision problem and foot ulceration were recorded before the evaluations. During the evaluations, cognition, balance and mobility levels of individuals were evaluated with Standartize Mini Mental Test (SMMT), Obstacle Course Test (OCT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Short Physical Performance Test (SPPB). Findings: A significant positive correlation between BBS and SPPB score (r=0.493, r=0.452, respectively) was detected. A significant negative correlation was found between the duration of the Obstacle Course Test time and the BBS score (r=-0.520). A significant relationship was noted between the Obstacle Course score and the posture subscale of SPPB (r =0.496). The strongest relationship with the Obstacle Course Test period was found in the 360 ° rotation sub-section of the BBS (r=-0.647). The strongest relationship between SPPB and Obstacle Course duration was determined within the 3m walking subscale of SPPB (r=0,603). Results: Our study was conducted to investigate the relationship between Obstacle Course Test and clinical balance scales and it was observed that the results of Obstacle Course Test and clinical balance tests were statistically significant. These results revealed the clinical availability of Obstacle Course Test for the evaluation of balance and function in elderly people. Key Words: Obstacle Course, Elderly, Balance, Fall