Reliability and validity of the Tinetti Mobility Test for individuals with Parkinson disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study examined the interrater and intrarater reliability, concurrent validity, and criterion validity of the Tinetti Mobility Test (TMT) as a fall risk screening tool in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD).

SUBJECTS: Thirty individuals with PD voluntarily participated in the study, and data from a retrospective review of 126 patient records were included.

METHODS: Physical therapists and physical therapist students rated live and videotaped performances of the TMT. Tinetti Mobility Test scores were correlated with Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor scores and comfortable gait speed. The ability of the TMT to accurately assess fall risk was determined.

RESULTS: Interrater and intrarater reliability was good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient of >.80). Tinetti Mobility Test scores correlated with UPDRS motor scores (r(s)=-.45) and gait speed (r(s)=.53). The sensitivity and specificity of the TMT to identify fallers were 76% and 66%, respectively.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The TMT is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the mobility status of and fall risk for individuals with PD.