The Development of Simple Screening Tool for Predict Risk of Falls in Thai Community-Dwelling Elderly
Puttipong Poncumhak PT, MSc*, Maitip Sittitan PT, BSc*, Arunrat Srithawong PT, MSc*
Affiliation : * Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
Objective : To develop and examine the psychometric properties of the Three Times Sit-to-Stand Test (TTSST) to evaluate
its functional capacity and to predict the risk of fall in community-dwelling elderly.
Material and Method: Thirty-six subjects aged older than 60 years, who experienced fall or non-fall, were tested for their
functional ability using the TTSST and the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST).
Results : The data demonstrated excellent reliability (ICCs = 0.943-0.991) and could clearly distinguish the ability of falling
and non-falling subjects. In addition, the TTSST showed significant correlation with the FTSST (r = 0.942, p<0.001), and
was an excellent fall indicator (sensitivity 88.89%, specificity 100%, AUC = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.81-1.00).
Conclusion : The TTSST is a valid and reliable method for assessing fall risk factors of community-dwelling elderly. We
recommend a TTSST greater than 4.54 seconds as the optimal cut-off score for reliable fall risk prediction for the elderly.
Keywords : Elderly, Fall, Functional tool, Sit-to-stand, Physical therapy
