This study aimed to evaluate the predictive validity of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) as a screening tool for fall risks among those with varied levels of balance. A total of 21 studies reporting predictive validity of the BBS of fall risk were meta-analyzed. With regard to the overall predictive validity of the BBS, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.72 and 0.73, respectively; the accuracy curve area was 0.84. The findings showed statistical heterogeneity among studies. Among the sub-groups, the age group of those younger than 65 years, those with neuromuscular disease, those with 2+ falls, and those with a cutoff point of 45 to 49 showed better sensitivity with statistically less heterogeneity. The empirical evidence indicates that the BBS is a suitable tool to screen for the risk of falls and shows good predictability when used with the appropriate criteria and applied to those with neuromuscular disease.

The purposes of the study were to (a) identify student attitudes toward older people according to three measures, (b) determine the relationships among the attitudes as shown by these measures, and (c) identify the relationships between age, gender, frequency of communication with older adults, and life experience with older adults. A total of 125 students completed the study at a university in the United States. The attitude measures used were Kogan's Scale for Attitudes toward Old People, a Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQ), and journal entries about beliefs, affects, and experience regarding older people. Results from the three measures were quantified and analyzed for positive and negative attitudes toward older people.

Preventing pressure ulcers is one of the most challenging goals existing for today’s health care provider. Currently used tools which assess risk of pressure ulcer development rarely evaluate the accuracy of predictability, especially in older adults. The current study aimed at providing a systemic review and meta-analysis of 29 studies using three pressure ulcer risk assessment tools: Braden, Norton, and Waterlow Scales. Overall predictive validities of pressure ulcer risks in the pooled sensitivity and specificity indicated a similar range with a moderate accuracy level in all three scales, while heterogeneity showed more than 80% variability among studies. The studies applying the Braden Scale used five different cut-off points representing the primary cause of heterogeneity. Results indicate that commonly used screening tools for pressure ulcer risk have limitations regarding validity and accuracy for use with older adults due to heterogeneity among studies.

Physical activity (PA) is effective in controlling blood pressure (BP) and is important in the treatment and prevention of hypertension in the elderly. Reasons for engaging in regular PA are complex and are influenced by personal, interpersonal, and environmental factors. To test a predictive model of PA in older adults with borderline hypertension. Data were collected from a multiethnic nonprobability sample of 267 men and women 60-75 years of age. The predictor variables were gender, ethnicity, income, previous exercise experience, self-efficacy for PA, perceived health status, awareness of BP, barriers to PA, intrinsic motivation for health, motivation for PA, interpersonal influence, and environmental influence. The hypothesized model was tested and modified using path analysis. The final model explained 44% of the variance in PA. The variables that directly predicted PA were gender, income, previous exercise experience, self-efficacy for PA, and motivation for PA. Variables that indirectly predicted PA were perceived health status, barriers to PA, self-efficacy for PA, intrinsic motivation for health, and environmental influence. The significant associations between the cognitive appraisal and motivation concepts extend previous research and add to the understanding of the complex factors that influence regular PA. The PA model can be a foundation for further research and practice.