Sensibilidad y especificidad de la Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), escala de equilibrio de Berg y test timed up and go para el riesgo de caídas en pacientes adultos mayores.

Abstract

The risk of falls is one of the main geriatric syndromes that affect older adults, for this reason it is important to use assessment scales to stratify the elderly and carry out a correct physiotherapeutic intervention. Objective: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Berg equilibrium scale and timed up and go test for the risk of falls in older adult patients. Materials and methods: Quantitative, predictive, observational, nonexperimental, cross-sectional approach, evaluated in a population of 60 older adults of both sexes between 60 and 100 years old. Results: The mean result of the fall risk assessment in the SPPB was 5.17±2.52 moderate risk of falling, the timed up and go test was 22.08±15.70 high risk of falling, and the Berg balance scale was 35.50±14.11 moderate risk of falling; in addition, the SPPB had a sensitivity (S) of 100% and specificity (E) of 72%. being more accurate in relation to the timed up and go test (S=100% and E=69%) and the Berg equilibrium scale (S=80% and E=84%). Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, we can highlight the importance of not using only one assessment tool but using multiple tools for a correct and accurate evaluation, since these measure both similar and different parameters and are therefore a complement to each one.