Figure-of-eight Backward Walk Test in Elderly

In the figure-of-eight backward walking (F8BWT) test, participants begin at the midpoint of two cones 1.5 m apart. Participants walk backward, circle both cones, and record the time it takes to return to the starting point. The test is administered by both raters on the first and second days.The assessments will be conducted by two separate specialists(physiotherapists). Individuals' completion times for each activity during the tests will be recorded using a stopwatch. Assessments will be conducted over two days, in two sessions per day. On the first day, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will perform the F8BWT twice. In the second session, the second assessor (PT2) will perform the F8BWT twice. The average of the two recorded times will be noted. On the second day of the assessment, the PT2 will begin by performing the F8BWT. PT2 will then perform the F8BWT twice. The average of the two recorded times will be noted.

Demographic information (age, height, weight, gender, education level, medication use, chronic diseases, medications), history and number of falls in the last year, and history of surgery on the lower extremity will be questioned.

This test is used to evaluate individuals' walking and balance performance. In the figure-of-eight backward walking test, participants start from the midpoint of two cones 1.5 m apart. Participants walk forward, circle each cone, and record the time it takes to return to the starting point.

In the timed up and go test, the time required for the participant to rise from a chair, walk 3 m, turn, walk back, and sit back in the chair is recorded. Participants are asked to remove their shoes if they have any that might affect walking performance.

The mFSST is a dynamic balance test that involves forward, backward, and sideways steps. A square is drawn on the floor and consists of four equal parts. These are numbered clockwise, 1-2-3-4. Subjects are asked to complete the test one step at a time, following the command "Start," 1-2-3-4, and then 4-3-2-1, without scraping their feet. The elapsed time is recorded.

For this test, a 3-meter distance is marked with a tape, and participants are asked to walk backwards, with their heels on the tape. During the test, participants are asked to walk as fast as possible, but running is not allowed. Participants may look back if they wish. The time is measured and recorded.

This test, used to assess balance, is administered with eyes open and eyes closed, alternating between each foot. The participant is asked to stand with one foot in front of the other (tandem stance), first with eyes open, then with eyes closed, for 10 seconds. They are asked to place the foot they find most comfortable with either forward or backward. The times during the test are recorded in seconds using a stopwatch.

In the one-leg standing test, participants are asked to stand on one foot of their choice while lifting the other foot, keeping it away from the ground and other body parts. If the foot touches the ground or the extremity in contact with the ground changes position during the test, the test is terminated and the time is recorded. Alternatively, if participants can stand on one foot for 30 seconds, the test is terminated and the time is recorded.

The The Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) is a questionnaire developed to assess the tendency to fall during activities of daily living. The test has a 4-point Likert-type scale (1- not at all concerned, 2- somewhat concerned, 3- quite concerned, and 4- very concerned). The 16-item questionnaire requires a minimum score of 16 and a maximum score of 64. Increasing scores indicate deterioration of balance (23). Participants complete the FES-I questionnaire in a quiet environment, and the score is then calculated.