Convergent Validity of the Sharpened Romberg

ABSTRACT

Aim: The purpose of the study was to examine the convergent validity of the Sharpened Romberg (SR) as a measure of balance for older adults. Methods: 100 community-dwelling adults aged 60 and older performed the SR with eyes open and closed, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), and 10-Meter Walk. Results: The SR eyes open was strongly correlated with the BBS and TUG and moderately correlated with the 10-Meter Walk. For the eyes open test, 73 participants completed 30 s; 19 less than 30 s; and 8 could not attain the position, with significant group differences for all measures. Those who stood for 30 s had better scores than the other two groups in the BBS, TUG, and 10-Meter Walk. Conclusions: The SR eyes open is a valid balance test. Inability to complete the SR eyes open test indicates that further balance testing is warranted.

KEYWORDS:

• Geriatrics
• postural balance
• gait speed

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.