Groningen Meander Walking Test in Older Adults With Balance Problems

This observational cross-sectional psychometric study aims to examine the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the Groningen Meander Walking Test in older adults with self-reported balance problems and/or a history of falls. Participants aged 65 years or older will be recruited from the Orthopedics and Traumatology outpatient clinic of Ordu University Training and Research Hospital. The Groningen Meander Walking Test will be performed twice during the first session and repeated in a second session to assess within-day and between-day reliability. Construct validity will be evaluated using the Timed Up and Go Test, Figure-of-Eight Walking Test, Berg Balance Scale, and Falls Efficacy Scale-International. The study will also explore the ability of the Groningen Meander Walking Test to discriminate between participants with low and increased fall risk according to the Berg Balance Scale.

Inclusion Criteria: Aged 65 years or older Self-reported balance problems during activities of daily living and/or a history of at least one fall within the previous 12 months Able to walk independently with or without a single walking aid Able to understand and follow verbal instructions Willing to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Presence of neurological, vestibular, visual, orthopedic, systemic, or medical conditions that may substantially affect gait or balance Acute lower-extremity injury or recent lower-extremity surgery Severe pain preventing completion of the walking or balance tests Cognitive impairment that may limit the ability to understand or follow test instructions Inability to walk independently without personal assistance Use of a rollator