Translation and Validation of the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (Poma) Scale Into Urdu Version
Condition: Fall
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      The aim of this study is to translate the original English version POMA scale into Urdu and
      also determine cultural adaptation to establish its validity and reliability. This study also
      aims to correlate Performance oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) scales with time up and go
      test in elderly population.
    

Detailed description: 
      Among older persons, age-related impairments cause loss of postural control and balance that
      result in pain, independency and disability. One of the most common geriatric syndromes and
      most serious health issue threatening the independency of older persons is fall. The impact
      of these fall-related injuries on older person, families and societies and its fruitful
      intervention has made this issue important worldwide. Approximately 28-35% of people aged 65
      years and 32-42% of aged 70 years' experience falls annually and 10% suffer serious injury
      such as, fracture, severe head trauma and joint dislocation. The incidence rate of fall is
      higher in hospitalized and residents of nursing home. It rises from middle age and peaks in
      person above 80 years. The risk factors associated with falls are, lower extremity muscle
      weakness, gait or balance deficits, use of an assistive device, cognitive impairment, visual
      deficit, arthritis and impaired activities of daily living . Different scales and tests are
      used for risk factors for falls, balance and mobility such as Berg Balance Scale, Time up and
      go test and dynamic gait index and Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale. One of these scales
      Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) scale. POMA scale has acceptable reliability
      and validity as compared to FRT and TUG in elderly. The advantages of this scale are;
      applicability, low cost, easy to administer, no equipment is needed other than a standard
      chair and stopwatch, evaluates functional activities and assesses both balance (POMA-B) and
      gait components (POMA-G)Originally POMA scale was used to assess risk of fall in
      institutionalized populations but later on used as an assessment tool for mobility and
      determine effects of interventions.

      The POMA has found to be widely used in patients who have dynamic and reactive balance
      deficits. It comprises 16 items (9 balance and 7 gait related). Total time taken for
      administration is approximately 10 minutes and total score is 28; 16 is balance and 12 is
      gait score. Some Items are scored dichotomously (can/cannot perform) and others are scored 0,
      1 or 2 points for quality of performance. The higher scores show low fall risk and better
      balance while lower score predicts poorer balance and greater risk of fall. The score
      19-24/28 indicates moderate risk for falling while score <19 indicates a "high" risk for
      falling.
    

Intervention name(s): Tool Translation & Validation study
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): In this English version of POMA scale will be translated into Urdu.
Observational model: Other
Time perspective: Cross-Sectional
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        Performance-oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) is one of the functional measures used to
        evaluate balance, gait, and fall risk in the elderly.