Abstract
When examining older adults who are frail, assessment tools should be chosen that can give information regarding overall function, degree of frailty, risk for falls, and endurance. The Physical Performance Test, Berg Balance Scale, and 6-Minute Walk Test are reviewed for their ability to provide this type of information. In addition, the Mini-Mental State Exam, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Nutritional Screening Initiative are reviewed for their ability to identify if referral to another discipline is necessary.
PHYSICAL THERAPY EXAMINATION of frail older adults deserves special consideration. The factors, or combination of factors, that contribute to a person becoming frail are complex and individual. Examination should result in information regarding overall function, degree of frailty, progression or resolution of frailty, as well as endurance and risk for falls. Functional assessment tools that can give this type of information and can give direction to impairment-level tests and measures would be clinically useful, especially if they also require minimal time and equipment.
While frailty is often identified on the basis of physical function, other factors such as cognitive status, depression, and nutrition need to be considered. Simple screening tools exist that can be used by physical therapists and other health professionals to identify if referral to another discipline is necessary. The purpose of this article is to review selected functional assessment tools and screening tools that would be appropriate to use when examining older adults who are frail.