[Positive Romberg test and the probability of falls in the aged]

Very little objective data are available on the subject of falling in the elderly. Yet there is an urgent need for simple tests to help identify those patients at risk. The predictive value of the Romberg-test was investigated with a group of 199 inhabitants of four homes for the elderly (76 had fallen three times in a period of six months and 123 never fell in a period of one year). Beside the age factor a positive Romberg-test meant an increased chance of falling. Elderly patients who fell but showed up as negative on the Romberg-test showed a marked tendency to stumble compared with the control group. The Romberg-test is useful in identifying certain specific causes in falling but it is unsuitable for use within a preventative strategy.