Falling is one of the most common complications in
stroke survivors. It is therefore important to evaluate the risk of falls. In this study, we investigated the usability of the performance-oriented mobility assessment (
POMA) for predicting falls in
stroke patients. The
POMA examines the level of balance and mobility. Data were collected on the number of falls and physical functions from 72
stroke survivors. Physical functions were measured using the
POMA balance subscale, One Leg Stand test (OLS), Sit To Stand test (STS), 10-m Walk Test (10WT), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FM), and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS). Since the accuracy of the
POMA balance subscale was moderate, the cutoff value used for predicting falls was 12.5 points (sensitivity: 72%; specificity: 74%), and the area under the curve was 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.66-0.91, p < 0.001). When comparing the physical functions (i.e., OLS, STS, 10WT, FM, and TIS) to the cutoff value for the
POMA balance subscale, the physical functions of the group over 12.5 points for the subscale were significantly higher than those in the group below 12.5 points (p < 0.05). The muscle strength shown in the STS was the most important factor affecting the performance in the
POMA balance subscale (β = -0.447). For the group below 12.5 points on the
POMA balance subscale, the risk of falling increased by 0.304 times more than the group over 12.5 points. The
POMA balance subscale is a valid tool for assessing the physical function and fall risk of
stroke survivors.