Association between computerized reaction time, short physical performance battery and berg balance scale in the community-dwelling older adults

Abstract

Background: Falls, in older adults, can worsen physical functioning and lead to serious complications. Thus, as a means of preventive intervention, this high-risk group should be screened. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether reaction time is clinically applicable as a fall risk assessment tool. Methods: The study participants were community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older, who scored 24 or more in the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, and did not have difficulty with communication and comprehension. To investigate the relationship between hand reaction time and fall risk, we used items from a recently developed computerized apparatus, which includes 2 fall risk assessment tools: the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Results: Reaction time was negatively correlated with the total SPPB (r=-0.314, p<0.001) and BBS scores (r=-0.164, p<0.001); the scores were higher when reaction times were lower. Multiple linear regression analyses also showed that the total SPPB (β=-0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI],-0.26 to-0.02) and BBS scores (β=-0.14; 95% CI,-0.26 to-0.02) significantly increased as the reaction time decreased. Conclusion: Reaction time was significantly correlated with the SPPB and BBS, confirming the possibility of its use in tools for fall risk assessment.