Groningen Meander Walking Test in Older Adults With Balance Problems

Test-Retest Reliability and Construct Validity of the Groningen Meander Walking Test in Older Adults With Self-Reported Balance Problems and/or a History of Falls

This observational cross-sectional psychometric study aims to examine the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the Groningen Meander Walking Test in older adults with self-reported balance problems and/or a history of falls. Participants aged 65 years or older will be recruited from the Orthopedics and Traumatology outpatient clinic of Ordu University Training and Research Hospital. The Groningen Meander Walking Test will be performed twice during the first session and repeated in a second session to assess within-day and between-day reliability. Construct validity will be evaluated using the Timed Up and Go Test, Figure-of-Eight Walking Test, Berg Balance Scale, and Falls Efficacy Scale-International. The study will also explore the ability of the Groningen Meander Walking Test to discriminate between participants with low and increased fall risk according to the Berg Balance Scale.

This observational cross-sectional study will evaluate the reliability and validity of the Groningen Meander Walking Test in older adults with self-reported balance problems and/or a history of falls. Participants aged 65 years or older will be recruited from the Orthopedics and Traumatology outpatient clinic of Ordu University Training and Research Hospital.

The Groningen Meander Walking Test will be administered in two assessment sessions to examine within-day and between-day test-retest reliability. Completion time and overstep score will be recorded. Construct validity will be assessed by comparing Groningen Meander Walking Test outcomes with established clinical measures of functional mobility, curved walking performance, balance, and concern about falling.

The study aims to determine whether the Groningen Meander Walking Test is a clinically useful assessment tool for advanced walking ability in older adults with balance problems and/or fall history.

Inclusion Criteria:

Aged 65 years or older Self-reported balance problems during activities of daily living and/or a history of at least one fall within the previous 12 months Able to walk independently with or without a single walking aid Able to understand and follow verbal instructions Willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

Presence of neurological, vestibular, visual, orthopedic, systemic, or medical conditions that may substantially affect gait or balance Acute lower-extremity injury or recent lower-extremity surgery Severe pain preventing completion of the walking or balance tests Cognitive impairment that may limit the ability to understand or follow test instructions Inability to walk independently without personal assistance Use of a rollator