Balance Test and Measures

Question 1

Berg Balance Scale (BBS)

Answer 1

14 Tasks scored on an ordinal scale from 0-4

Tasks include:
- Static Activities
- Transitional Movements
- Dynamic Activities in Sitting and Standing

Max Score: 56
Score less than 45 (school taught us 46) indicating an increased risk of falling

Question 2

Fregly-Graybiel Ataxia Test Battery

Answer 2

Eight test conditions with each leg measured on two accounts: the number of steps taken without falling and the time spent in each test position

Test Conditions:
- Stand on Beam with Eyes Open
- Stand on Beam with Eyes Closed
- Walk on Beam with Eyes Open
- Sharpened Romberg (Heel Toe Static Position)
- Standing with Eyes Open
- Standing With Eyes Closed
- Standing on One Leg Eyes Closed
- Walking on Floor with Eyes Closed

Conditions compared to normative data with a pass/fail for each condition

• Best suited for patients with HIGH level motor skills
• Does not help therapist dianose the cause of balance dysfunction

Question 3

Fugyl-Meyer Sensorimotor Assessment of Balance

Answer 3

Designed to assess balance for patients with hemiplegia

• 7 items assesses is scored from 0-2
• Max score: 14

Question 4

Functional Reach Test

Answer 4

Used to Assess Fall Risk and Standing Balance

• Yard stick positioned to measure patients forward reach that can be achieved (without) moving the feet.
• 3 Trials are performed and averaged together

Functional Reach Standards:

20-40 y/o: 14.5 - 17 inches
41-69 y/o: 13.5 - 15 inches
70 - 87 y/o: 10.5 - 13.5 inches

Test has excellent Test-Retest Correlation and Intrarater Reliability

Question 5

Romberg Test

Answer 5

Positions patient in unsupported standing with feet together and upper extremities folded

Tested for [30 Seconds]

First Test: Eyes Open
Second Test: Eyes Closed

Grade:
- Normal achieved if patient is able to maintain balance
- Abnormal: loss of balance, excessive sway or begin to fall

Sharpened Romberg: performing the test in the same manner but with heel-to-toe stance (non-dominant foot typically in front)

Question 6

Timed Up and GO (TUG)

Answer 6

Functional performance screening tool used to assess a persons level of mobility and balance.

Testing procedure:
- Patient starts in sitting
- Transfers into standing
- Walks 10 feet
- Patient must turn around (without external support)
- Walks back towards chair
- Return to Sitting Position

Grading:

Those who are “independent” complete the test in 10 seconds or less

> 20 seconds may indicate increase risk of falls

> 30 seconds indicates a high risk of falls

Question 7

Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment

Answer 7

First Section Assessing Balance in
- sit to stand
- stand to sit
- immediate standing balance with EO and EC
- tolerating a slight push in standing
- turning 360 degrees

Patient is scored from 0-2 in most categories

Max Score: 16

Second Section: Assesses gait at normal speed and a rapid (but safe speed)
- Initiation of Gait
- step length and heigh
- step asymmetry and continuity
- path
- stance during gait
- trunk motion

Patient is scored from 0-2 with a maximum score of 12

Tool is combined for a max score of 28
- risk of falling increasing as the total score decreases

Total score {< 19} indicates a high risk of falls