Objective
The Balance Outcome Measure for Elder Rehabilitation (BOOMER) was developed to assist in clinical practice to quantify standing balance.[1] The combination of a variety of commonly used, single-item outcome measures makes the BOOMER a highly feasible and applicable tool that is both time and resource efficient[1].
Intended Population
Older adults with deficiencies in standing balance.[2]
Method of Use
Instructions
The BOOMER consists of the following four tests:
| Test | Description |
|---|---|
| Step Test | One foot is repeatedly placed on top of a 7.5cm step and returned back down to the ground
as many times as able in 15 sec. The average between legs is then calculated for scoring. |
| Timed Up and Go | From a seated position, individual stands, walks 3m, turns 180°, walks 3m back to chair and sits
down with back resting against backrest. |
| Functional Reach | Individual reaches as far forward as possible in a standing position without losing balance. |
| Timed Static Stance | Standing with feet together and eyes closed. |
The four components of the BOOMER are performed in one session. Areas of interest are identified with treatment continued accordingly.
Scoring
An individual’s performance on each measure will be converted to a 5-point ordinal scale. The scale ranges from 0 (unable to perform the test/0 on Functional Reach) to 4 (excellent) with a maximum score of 16.[2]
Table: BOOMER scoring[2]
| Test | Scoring | ||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Step test (average number of steps) | Unable | 0 – 5 | 5 – 8 | 8 – 12 | >12 |
| TUG (seconds) | Unable | ≥ 30 | 29 – 20 | 19 – 10 | |
| FR (centimetres) | 0 | 1 – 15 | 16 – 20 | 21 – 30 | > 30 |
| Timed Static Stance (seconds) | Unable | 0 – 30 | 30 – 60 | 60 – | 90 |
Evidence
Validity
Concurrent validity
The BOOMER correlates with Functional Independence Measure and Modified Elderly Mobility Scale[1]. It has shown high correlation with the Berg Balance Scale at both admission (ρ=.91; P<.01 and on discharge>P<.01 from geriatric rehabilitation units id="cite_ref-kuys_2-3" class="reference">[2].
Construct validity
Another study[3] showed that BOOMER scores highly associated with BBS scores (r = .93, p .52, p
Responsiveness
A minimum clinically significant change in the BOOMER is 3 points over its 17-point scale range[1]. Change scores between admission and discharge for the BOOMER and BBS displayed moderate correlation (ρ=.55; P<.01 while those between the boomer and gait speed displayed only fair correlation>P<.01 id="cite_ref-kuys_2-4" class="reference">[2].
References
- ↑ 1.01.11.21.3 Haines T, Kuys SS, Morrison G, Clarke J, Bew P, McPhail S. Development and validation of the balance outcome measure for elder rehabilitation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2007; 88(12): 1614-1621.
- ↑ 2.02.12.22.32.4 Kuys SS, Morrison G, Bew, PG, Clarke J, Haines TP. Further validation of the balance outcome measure for elder rehabilitation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2011; 92(1):101-105.
- ↑ Kuys SS, Crouch T, Dolecka UE, Steel M, Low Choy NL. Use and validation of the Balance Outcome Measure for Elder Rehabilitation in acute care. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy. 2014; 42(1): 16-21. Accessed 23 August 2018.