[Hierarchical assessment of balance and mobility : German translation and cross-cultural adaptation].

BACKGROUND

The hierarchical assessment of balance and mobility (HABAM) is an internationally established clinical mobility test which has good psychometric properties, allows an easy assessment of mobility and the graphical illustration of change over time in geriatric patients. The aims of this study were the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the English original HABAM into the German language as well as a preliminary analysis of the practicability and construct validity of the HABAM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The HABAM was translated into German following international guidelines. A prefinal version was clinically tested by physiotherapists in two geriatric hospitals over a period of 5 weeks. In order to make a final revision of the German HABAM version, structured in-depth feedback was obtained from the seven therapists who had used the HABAM most often.

RESULTS

A total of 18 physiotherapists used the HABAM for 47 elderly inpatients for the initial assessment. The translated items and instructions seemed comprehensible but problems occurred concerning the conducting and documentation of the HABAM. Modifications led to the final German HABAM version and 85 % of the HABAM assessments were performed within ≤ 10 min. There was a correlation of rs= 0.71 with the Tinetti test and of rs = 0.68 with the Barthel index.

CONCLUSION

A German HABAM version is now accessible for use in clinical practice. The results of a preliminary psychometric analysis indicate a potentially good practicability and sufficient construct validity. A comprehensive analysis of psychometric properties is pending.