[The Lübeck Scale of Basic Mobility : Assessment of geriatric patients with severely impaired mobility].

BACKGROUND

In the geriatric assessment of mobility, the timed up and go (TUG) test is often used; however, many inpatients are unable to master this test. The Lübeck Scale of Basic Mobility (LSBM) was developed as a performance test for this target group.

OBJECTIVE

The study investigated the properties of the 7‑task LSBM, which has a scaling at item level based on the 5‑level assessment of impairments according to the ICF.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 77 patients who had not mastered the TUG test at acute geriatric hospital admission, the LSBM was completed at intervals of 7-18 days (t, t), including one rating by 2 investigators. For convergent validity, the De Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) was used.

RESULTS

The LSBM score and DEMMI score were highly correlated (-0.880, p < 0.001). A floor effect did not occur with LSBM and occurred with DEMMI in 5 patients (6.5%). The predictive validity for predicting coping with TUG test at discharge based on the sum score at t was -0.577 for the LSBM, and 0.542 for the DEMMI (Spearman's correlation, p = 0.001). The interrater reliability of the LSBM was 0.983 (p < 0.001), the correlation between test and retest was 0.836 (p < 0.001) and the internal consistency via Cronbach's α was 0.876. The effect size as a measure of change sensitivity was Cohen's d 0.711.

CONCLUSION

The LSBM facilitates treatment goal setting and allows standardized documentation of even small improvements and deteriorations in patients with reduced basic mobility.