PURPOSE: To summarize the evaluation tools of balance [Berg Balance Scale (BBS), timed up and Go (TUG), forward reaching test (FRT)], gait [6 m walking Test (6MWT)], and strength [Chair Stand Test (CST)] for patients with dementia.
METHODS: The following databases were searched: PubMED, Cochrane, Sciences Direct, and Web of Sciences. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) repeated measurement design, 2) subjects with dementia, 3) use of testing tools such as the BBS, TUG, FRT, 6MWT, and CST, 4) report the reliability. One reviewer performed the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy study and two evaluators performed data extraction independently.
RESULTS: Six articles and one letter were included. The interrater reliability of 6MWT, TUG, and CST, were acceptable (ICC>.90). However, FRT had unacceptable reliability. In test-retest reliability, only BBS has acceptable reliability (ICC>.90). Others had various reliabilities. The risk of interrater reliability bias was low in all studies. However, the risk of bias of intrarater reliability was low in five studies and moderate in two studies.
CONCLUSION: The interrater reliability of the 6MWT, TUG, and CST were acceptable. However, in test-retest reliability, only BBS has acceptable reliability. Therefore, we suggest the use of BBS to test the balance of dementia patients. In addition, the study of tool reliability according to the subtype of dementia is needed in the future.