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Every step your patients take tells a story. But when it comes to functional assessments, one test often doesn’t tell you enough. Enter cluster testing — a simple but powerful approach that delivers clearer insights and better care decisions.
What is Cluster Testing?
Cluster testing is the practice of combining multiple related functional assessments to evaluate a clinical issue more holistically. Instead of relying on one data point, you use several — each offering a different angle on the same challenge, like balance, strength, or mobility.
For example, if you’re assessing fall risk, a single TUG test gives you some insight. But pairing it with a 30-second Sit-to-Stand and a Dual-Task Walk paints a more complete picture. Cluster testing turns snapshots into a story.
Why It Matters
Relying on a single assessment can lead to missed cues — especially when patients compensate or when contextual factors mask deficits. Cluster testing:
- Increases diagnostic sensitivity
Multiple tests reduce false negatives and help surface hidden impairments. - Enhances confidence in clinical decisions
When multiple tests point to the same issue, it’s easier to justify care — and act on it. - Supports defensible documentation
More data = stronger narratives for reimbursement and interdisciplinary communication. - Improves outcomes
Better assessments lead to more targeted interventions — and ultimately, better patient trajectories.
Cluster Testing + OneStep = Streamlined and Scalable
The challenge? Traditional testing can be time-consuming and hard to scale. That’s where OneStep makes it easy.
With just a smartphone, you can administer the standard test clusters necessary to accurately predict falls including:
- Timed Up and Go → captures functional mobility
- 30-Second Sit to Stand → reflects lower extremity strength
- Dual-Task Walk → assesses cognitive-motor interaction
- 6 Minute Walk → demonstrates endurance capabilities
- Gait analysis (specifically speed, variability, and symmetry) → reveals subtle neuromotor impairments and inconsistencies
OneStep also automatically captures real-world, validated metrics like gait speed, variability, and asymmetry – no stopwatches, wearables, or extra tools needed. You’ll get objective scores and clear trends, instantly.
Even better? You can cluster tests together during a session — or across time — and track progress with a single, integrated view.
For Senior Living and Rehab: Why This Matters Now
Whether you’re screening new residents, monitoring decline, or supporting therapy plans, cluster testing helps you:
- Spot issues earlier
- Tailor interventions with precision
- Strengthen referrals with objective data
- Defend and extend care when appropriate
And when you pair that with OneStep’s ability to monitor mobility continuously, you go beyond “point-in-time” to “always-on” insight.
The bottom line? Cluster testing gives you sharper tools. OneStep makes those tools easy to use. And your patients get better outcomes.
Contact us to schedule a meeting.
