As reported in a study by Figueiredo et al.,4 the Tinetti scale
can be c considered a good predictor of falls in the elderly.
These authors report that a combination of four items related
with balance (sitting down unaided, inability to stand on one
leg, instability turning and instability when the sternum is
pushed backwards [nudge test]) and three items related with
gait (increased oscillation of the torso, increased diversion of
direction and velocity) predict the occurrence of falls. They state
that the Functional Reach Test of advantages such as speed
and practicality of application and also that elderly people can
improve their dynamic balance through training and influence
future test results.