is trunk control test (TCT) a predictor of recovering ambulation?
Authors wanted to assess the predictive value of the trunk control test (TCT) on recovering ambulation in elderly patients who have developed walking disability. The study design was a prospective study performed in a hospital-based intermediate-care unit. Twenty-one patients (mean age 78.5+/-6.7 years) were investigated, who had developed walking disability after prolonged bed rest for an acute condition. A comprehensive geriatric assessment with functional status evaluation, based on the activities of daily living (ADL) (expressed as Barthel index=BI), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) (expressed as Lawton index=LI), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination-Folstein=MMSE), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale=GDS) and comorbidity (Charlson comorbidity index=CCI) was performed within 72h after admission. A specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation designed a rehabilitation program. TCT was performed in all patients before they started the program.
