Analysis

The Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), often referred to as the Tinetti Assessment Tool or Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment, is a tool developed by Mary Tinetti for evaluating mobility and balance in older adults. This assessment is primarily used to detect fall risk and to evaluate motor performance.

Purpose

The main goal of POMA is to assess an individual’s balance and mobility, particularly in the elderly, in order to identify fall risk and determine the need for intervention or rehabilitation. The assessment also aids in designing rehabilitation and strengthening programs to improve mobility and stability.

Scoring

POMA consists of two primary sections:
Balance Assessment:
Standing on a Stable Surface: Measures the ability to maintain a steady posture on a flat surface.
Standing on a Rigid Surface: Assesses the ability to maintain balance on a non-yielding surface.
Standing on a Compliant Surface: Examines balance on uneven or flexible surfaces.
Gait Assessment:
Walking on a Stable Surface: Measures the ability to walk on a flat surface.
Turning and Pivoting: Evaluates the individual’s ability to turn and change direction while walking.
For each task, the examiner scores the individual based on observed performance. Total scores are used to determine the risk level of falling and to guide intervention planning.

References

Tinetti, M. E. (1986). Performance-oriented assessment of mobility problems in elderly patients. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 34(2), 119-126.
Tinetti, M. E., Williams, C. S. (1998). The effect of falls and fall injuries on functioning in community-dwelling older persons. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, 53A(1), M112-M119.
Tinetti, M. E., Richman, D., Powell, L. (1990). Fall-risk index for elderly patients based on number of chronic disabilities. American Journal of Medicine, 88(6), 634-638.
Shumway-Cook, A., Gruber, W. J., Baldwin, M., & Liao, S. (1997). Predicting the probability for falls in community-dwelling older adults. Physical Therapy, 77(8), 812-819.
Tinetti, M. E., & Speechley, M. (1989). Prevention of falls among the elderly. New England Journal of Medicine, 320(16), 1055-1059.