BACKGROUND: Balance and function have been demonstrated to be closely related, while ageing has been established to have deleterious influence on balance. This is important for consideration by physiotherapists who are often involved in the assessment and management of individuals who are unable to maintain adequate stability for goal-directed motor task ability.

OBJECTIVE: The study investigated the relationship between balance using performance- oriented mobility assessment tool and ankle range of motion (ROM) of the dominant side of both young and elderly persons in south-eastern Nigeria.

METHODS: The Ex-post facto study involved 87 elderly individuals selected using a purposive sampling technique. The participants’ bio-data was recorded, while balance was assessed using Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA-T). Balance and gait speed were measured using POMA (POMA-B for balance and POMA-G for gait), while all active ankle movements of the dominant side of the body were measured using a double-armed universal goniometre. Data was analysed descriptively (using means and SD) and inferentially (using Pearson Product Moment Correlation [PCC] to determine relationships). Alpha level was set at 0.05.

RESULTS: Mean age of participants was found to be 70.33+4.74 years (44 males, 43 females). Mean POMA- B, POMA-G, and POMA-T were 15.19+1.14, 11.33+1.15 and 26.35+2.48 respectively. Mean ankle ROM were 21.70+4.90⁰(plantarflexion), 16.18+3.77⁰ (dorsiflexion), 26.00+ 7.23⁰(inversion) and 11.98+3.87⁰(eversion). No significant correlation (p > 0.05) was found between POMA (POMA-G and POMA-B) and each of ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, eversion, and inversion. POMA-B significantly correlated with normal gait speed (r=0.218, p=0.043)

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that there is no relationship between mobility and ankle range of motion in the elderly. Also balance and gait speed may be given more emphasis in routine clinical care of the elderly. It was recommended that balance assessment (static and dynamic) in the elderly using the POMA should be encouraged.

Key words: Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment, Balance, Range of motion