1. What is the Tinetti Assessment?

The Tinetti Assessment is a clinical tool used to evaluate a patient's gait and balance abilities. It consists of two components: a gait assessment (scored 0-12) and a balance assessment (scored 0-16), with a maximum total score of 28.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Tinetti formula:

Where:

• \( Gait\_score \) — Score from gait assessment (0-12)
• \( Balance\_score \) — Score from balance assessment (0-16)

Interpretation:

• ≤18 = High risk of falls
• 19-23 = Moderate risk of falls
• ≥24 = Low risk of falls

3. Importance of Tinetti Score

Details: The Tinetti score helps identify patients at risk for falls, guides rehabilitation planning, and monitors progress in balance and gait training.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the gait score (0-12) and balance score (0-16) obtained from the Tinetti assessment. The calculator will sum the scores and provide the fall risk interpretation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What populations is the Tinetti test used for?
A: Primarily used for elderly patients and those with known balance or gait disorders.

Q2: How long does the Tinetti assessment take?
A: Typically 10-15 minutes to administer both gait and balance components.

Q3: What's considered a clinically significant change?
A: A change of 3-4 points is considered clinically meaningful.

Q4: Are there limitations to the Tinetti assessment?
A: May have ceiling effects in higher-functioning patients and may not detect subtle changes in very impaired patients.

Q5: Should this be used alone for fall risk assessment?
A: Best used as part of a comprehensive fall risk assessment including other tests and clinical judgment.