Balance-Associated Tests Contribute to Predicting the Need for Ambulatory Assistive Devices (AAD) among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

This study aims to analyze the use of ambulatory assistive devices (AAD) in relation to balance-associated tests and assist medical staff in providing professional objective reference values for older adults on whether to use AAD. Older adults (n = 228) were recruited from the local community to participate in this study. Participants were divided into the AAD-use group and the non-AAD-use group. Four balance-associated tests and scales were applied to predict the relationship between balance function and the use of AAD in older adults. They were used to assess the participant’s balance function and confidence in maintaining balance and were considered the most reliable measures of balance. There were significant differences in the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) among the subjects in the AAD-use group and non-AAD-use group (p < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis presented the following cut-off values for balance tests and scales: 23.62 s for the TUGT test and 41.5 points for the BBS score. For example, if the TUGT score is greater than 23.62 s and the BBS score is below 41.5 points, AAD is recommended for older adults to maintain balance and prevent falls. These objective reference standards may be useful in guiding medical personnel to determine whether older adults need to use AAD. In future studies, we hope to include more participants for subgroup analysis, investigating different types of AAD and their effects on older adults.