The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a 56-point scale that evaluates 14 tasks. Katherine Berg developed this test to assess the level of function and balance in various patient populations.4 Table 23-1 describes the appropriate population, required equipment, completion time, reliability, and validity of the BBS.
How to score the Berg Balance Test?
Berg Balance Scale
- Sitting to standing
- Standing unsupported
- Sitting with back unsupported but feet supported on floor or on a stool
- Standing to sitting
- Transfers
- Standing unsupported with eyes closed
- Standing unsupported with feet together
- Reaching forward with outstretched arm while standing
- Pick up object from the floor from a standing position
What is the Berg Balance Test?
Usefulness of the Berg Balance Scale to Predict Falls in the Elderly
- BACKGROUND. Falls among the older adults are a major health concern and may be associated with significant health care costs.
- THE BERG BALANCE SCALE. The BBS, created in 1989, contains 14 static and dynamic activities related to everyday living. ...
- OBJECTIVES. ...
- METHODS. ...
- RESULTS. ...
- DISCUSSION. ...
- CONCLUSION. ...
- REFERENCES. ...
What is Berg balance assessment?
Standardized Tests and Measures for Balance
- Berg Balance Scale. The Berg is a validated balance assessment which has been shown to be a reliable predictor of fall risk.
- Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance
- Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. ...
- Dynamic Gait Index. ...
- MiniBEST Test. ...
What is Berg Balance Score?
Berg Balance Score. The Berg Balance Score (BBS) is the best-known balance measurement tool, originally designed to measure balance in older individuals. It consists of 14 items scored on an ordinal scale of 0 to 4 for a total of 56 points (a higher score indicates lower fall risk). The items evaluate the ability to maintain static positions of ...
Objective
The Berg balance scale is used to objectively determine a patient's ability (or inability) to safely balance during a series of predetermined tasks.
Intended Population
Elderly population with impairment of balance, patients with acute stroke (Berg et al 1995, Usuda et al 1998).
Interpretation
Cut-off scores for the elderly were reported by Berg et al 1992 as follows :
What It Is
The Berg Balance Scale is a measure used to assess the quality of balance in patients when sitting and standing. The test is most often completed by a physical therapist (a healthcare professional who provides therapy to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function in people whose abilities are impaired).
How It Works
The Berg Balance Scale is an examination assessment comprised of 14 questions, with a total score out of 56 points. The test scorer can score items between 0 and 4 based on the quality of movement observed with each of the items.
Uses
The Berg Balance Scale is an objective way of assessing balance deficits in patients seeking physical therapy services. It allows the therapist to understand the patient's functional limitations in order to develop ways to help.
A Word From Verywell
Because the quality of a patient’s balance can be hard to quantify, the Berg Balance Scale can be a useful tool to help provide objective data indicating balance problems and risk for falls. This information can be useful to patients, physical therapists, physicians, and insurance companies to help justify needs for skilled physical therapy.
Older Adults and Geriatric Care
Older Adults: (Donoghue et al., 2009; n = 118 people over 65 years of age without a history of stroke; mean age = 85 (6.6) years)
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis: (Jogi et al., 2010; n = 54 patients, 26 with total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 28 with total knee arthroplasty (TKA); mean age for THA = 68 (8) years; mean age for TKA = 64 (10) years)
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinsonism: (Steffen and Seney, 2008; n = 37; mean age = 71 years; mean Hoehn & Yahr classification = 2, scores ranged from 1-4)
Limb Loss and Amputation
Transfemoral Amputees: (Azuma et al., 2019; n = 30; Mean Age = 54 (19); Mean Time Post Amputation = 10 months for initial hospitalization, 192 months for re-hospitalization, and 106 months for outpatient)
Pulmonary Diseases
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: (Jácome, 2016; n= 46 mean age: 75.9 (7.1) years; clinically stable for 1 month prior to study)
Alzheimer's Disease and Progressive Dementia
Dementia: (Telenius et al., 2015; n= 33 (8 male and 25 female); Mean age= 82.7; Individuals residing in 4 different nursing homes, above the age of 55, having a mild to moderate degree of dementia according to the Dementia Rating Scale, able to stand up alone or with the help of one person, being able to walk 6 m with or without a walking aid).
More Instruments Like This
We have reviewed nearly 300 instruments for use with a number of diagnoses including stroke, spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury among several others.
What is Berg balance scale?
This Berg balance scale calculator is used to evaluate and monitor balance in elderly frail patients and to predict fall risk with static and dynamic activities. Below the form there is in depth information about the items in the assessments, their application instructions and the score interpretation.
How long can you sit with your back unsupported?
Sitting with back unsupported but feet supported on floor or on a stool. Able to sit safely and securely for 2 minutes (4 points) Able to sit 2 minutes under supervision (3 points) Able to sit 30 seconds (2 points) Able to sit 10 seconds (1 point) Unable to sit without support 10 seconds (0 points) 4.
What are the instructions from the original study?
The instructions from the original study, to be used in directing the subject, are as follows: At the beginning of the balance test the subject needs to be instructed about the tasks they are to be given and they need to understand that they must try to maintain their balance during the tasks.
How to stand unsupported?
Standing unsupported one foot in front – the recommended position is one foot directly in front of the other, if this is not possible then the foot can be placed forward ahead of the toes of the other foot at a comfortable distance; 14. Standing on one leg – maintain the position for as long as possible.
How many chairs are needed for a scuba diving trip?
In order to perform the evaluation of the 14 items, the following equipment is required: 2 chairs, one with arm rests, one without arm rests, footstool, yardstick, stopwatch and a 15 ft (approx. 4.5 m) walkway.
How many points does a sits safely have?
Standing to sitting. Sits safely with minimal use of hands (4 points) Controls descent by using hands (3 points) Uses back of legs against chair to control descent (2 points) Sits independently but has uncontrolled descent (1 point) Needs assist to sit (0 points) 5.
What is the recommendation to deduct points progressively in case the subject doesn’t respect the requirements?
The recommendation is to deduct points progressively in case the subject doesn’t respect the requirements (of time or distance for example), performance requires supervision or the subject uses external assistance: 1. Sitting to standing – the subject is recommended not to use hands or any other means for support; 2.
