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Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment Calculator (POMA)

Score the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA): balance 0–16 plus gait 0–12 for a total of 0–28, with fall risk — high at 18 or less, moderate at 19–23, low at 24 or more.

Balance 1 — sitting balance

Balance 2 — rising from the chair

Balance 3 — attempts to rise

Balance 4 — immediate standing balance (first 5 seconds)

Balance 5 — standing balance

Balance 6 — nudged on the sternum (feet close together)

Balance 7 — eyes closed (feet close together)

Balance 8a — turning 360°: steps

Balance 8b — turning 360°: steadiness

Balance 9 — sitting down

Gait 10 — initiation of gait (told to go)

Gait 11a — right swing foot passes the left stance foot

Gait 11b — right foot completely clears the floor

Gait 11c — left swing foot passes the right stance foot

Gait 11d — left foot completely clears the floor

Gait 12 — step symmetry

Gait 13 — step continuity

Gait 14 — path (over about 3 m / 10 ft)

Gait 15 — trunk

Gait 16 — walking stance

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How it works

Tinetti POMA = balance (9 tasks, 0–16) + gait (7 tasks, 0–12) = 0–28. Fall risk: ≤ 18 high · 19–23 moderate · ≥ 24 low.

The Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (Tinetti, 1986) is a bedside test of balance and gait used in geriatric medicine, falls clinics and physiotherapy. The balance section watches the person sit, rise, stand, withstand a light nudge, stand with eyes closed, turn a full circle and sit down; the gait section watches them walk at their usual pace with their usual aid. Lower scores mean poorer mobility; the widely used bands treat 18 or less as high fall risk, 19–23 as moderate and 24–28 as low. Scoring requires direct observation by a trained examiner.

Worked example

An older woman rises using her arms, uses a stick for standing and walking, staggers when nudged and pauses between steps: balance 11 / 16 and gait 9 / 12, so Tinetti = 11 + 9 = 20 / 28 — moderate fall risk.

Sources: Tinetti ME. Performance-oriented assessment of mobility problems in elderly patients. J Am Geriatr Soc 1986 · Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment — Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Rehabilitation Measures

Frequently asked questions

What is a good Tinetti score?

Scores of 24–28 indicate a low risk of falls. 19–23 is moderate risk and 18 or less high risk. A healthy, active older adult usually scores 26–28.

How long does the Tinetti test take?

About 10 to 15 minutes. You need an armless hard chair, a clear walkway of about 3 metres and the person’s usual walking aid.

Can the person use a walking aid?

Yes — they walk with their usual aid, but some items (standing balance, path, trunk) give fewer points when an aid or support is used, which the scoring options reflect.

Tinetti or Timed Up and Go?

The Timed Up and Go test is faster and gives one number in seconds. The Tinetti POMA takes longer but shows which parts of balance and gait are impaired, which helps plan therapy.

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Clinical decision tool for education and for use by trained clinicians alongside clinical judgement — not a diagnosis and not a substitute for medical assessment. Scores validated in specific populations may not apply to every patient.