Evaluation of psychometric properties of Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment scale in subjects with knee osteoarthritis

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) scale to measure balance and gait impairments in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsA convenient sample of 25 individuals with bilateral OA knee were recruited. The convergent validity was determined by correlation analysis between scores of Berg Balance Scale (BBS) with balance subscale (POMA-B) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) with gait subscale (POMA-G). The intrarater reliability [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 3,1)], the Bland-Altman plots limits of agreement (LOA), the standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MDC) and ceiling/floor effects were determined.ResultsScore of BBS was significantly correlated with POMA-B scores, rs = 0.63, p = 0.001, whereas TUGT showed a negative correlation with POMA-G, rs = −0.481, p = 0.020, showing moderate convergent validity. ICC results of the total POMA scale (POMA-T), POMA-B, and POMA-G were 0.96, 0.93, and 0.96, respectively, indicating high test retest reliability. SEM, for POMA-T, POMA-B, and POMA-G was 0.35, 0.27, and 0.35, respectively; MDC values were 0.97 for POMA-T, 0.75 for POMA-B, and 0.63 for POMA-G.ConclusionThe findings indicate that the POMA is a valid and reliable tool to assess balance and gait impairments in people with OA knee.