Diagnostic test accuracy of an automated device as a screening tool for fall risk assessment in community-residing elderly: A STARD compliant study

We aimed to determine the accuracy and failure of OAK device, an automated screening, for the assessment of fall risk in a prospective cohort of healthy adults aged over 65 years. The algorithm for fall risk assessment of the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) was used as reference standard. Of the 183 individuals recruited, the CDC algorithm classified 80 as being at moderate/high risk and 103 at low risk of falling. OAK device failure incidence was 4.9% (confidence interval [CI] upper limit 7.7%), below the preset threshold for futility-early termination of the study (i.e., not above 15%). The OAK device showed a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 67% (receiver operating characteristic [ROC] area 82%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 76-88%), not reaching the preplanned target sensitivity (not lower than 85%). Diagnostic accuracy was not far from the sensitivity levels similar to those obtained with other fall risk assessment. However, some limitations can be considered.