TINETTI BALANCE ASSESSMENT TOOL
Tinetti ME, Williams TF, Mayewski R, Fall Risk Index for elderly patients based on number of chronic dis-
abilities. Am J Med 1986:80:429-434
PATIENTS NAME ______________________ D.o.b. ___________ Ward ______
BALANCE SECTION
Patient is seated in hard, armless chair;
P.T.O.
Date
Sitting Balance Leans or slides in chair = 0
Steady, safe = 1
Rises from chair
Unable to without help = 0
Able, uses arms to help = 1
Able without use of arms = 2
Attempts to rise
Unable to without help = 0
Able, requires > 1 attempt = 1
Able to rise, 1 attempt = 2
Immediate standing
Balance (first 5 seconds)
Unsteady (staggers, moves feet, trunk sway) = 0
Steady but uses walker or other support = 1
Steady without walker or other support = 2
Standing balance
Unsteady = 0
Steady but wide stance and uses support = 1
Narrow stance without support = 2
Nudged
Begins to fall = 0
Staggers, grabs, catches self = 1
Steady = 2
Eyes closed Unsteady = 0
Steady = 1
Turning 360 degrees
Discontinuous steps = 0
Continuous = 1
Unsteady (grabs, staggers) = 0
Steady = 1
Sitting down
Unsafe (misjudged distance, falls into chair) = 0
Uses arms or not a smooth motion = 1
Safe, smooth motion = 2
Balance score /16 /16
50
