Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) by Mary E. Tinetti, MD. Corrected 2026 version – Balance subscale: 0–16 (9 items), Gait subscale: 0–12 (8 items), Total: 0–28. Quantifies fall risk, guides rehabilitation, and monitors geriatric/neurological function. Evidence-based thresholds: ≤18 high risk, 19–23 moderate, 24–28 low risk.
The Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) is a clinician-administered test that evaluates static balance and dynamic gait. Developed by Dr. Mary Tinetti at Yale University, it has become a gold‑standard fall risk screening tool. This corrected version uses the original balance max = 16 and gait max = 12 (total 28), aligning with the 1986 publication and subsequent validation studies.
Score interpretation (28-point scale):
▪ 24–28 → Low fall risk, independent mobility
▪ 19–23 → Moderate fall risk, targeted interventions recommended
▪ 0–18 → High fall risk, comprehensive falls prevention required.
Assesses sitting balance, transfers, immediate standing, eyes closed, nudge test, turning 360°, and sitting down. The corrected version includes a 3-level scoring for eyes closed, turning, and sitting down (0–2) to capture subtle deficits.
Evaluates gait initiation, step length, foot clearance, symmetry, continuity, path deviation, trunk stability, and stance width. Higher scores indicate better dynamic balance and lower fall risk.