Balance Tests and Measures

Question 1

Berg Balance Scale

Answer 1

• Assess fall risk
• 14 tasks, each on 0-4 scale
• max score is 56
• score <45 indicates increased fall risk

Question 2

Fugl-Meyer Sensorimotor Assessment of Balance Performance Battery

Answer 2

• Assess balance for hemiplegia (post-stroke)
• 7 items, each scored 0-2
• max score is 14 but even with max score someone can have abnormal balance

Question 3

Functional Reach Test

Answer 3

• Assess standing balance and fall risk
• Age 20-40: 14.5 - 17in
• Age 41-69: 13.5 - 15in
• Age 70-87: 10.5 - 13.5in

Question 4

Romberg Test

Answer 4

• Assess balance and ataxia
• Holding for <30 sec is abnormal
• *Instability will be present when you take away visual input if there is a larger somatosensory or vestibular deficit.

Question 5

Timed Up and Go

Answer 5

• Assess level of mobility and balance
• 5-point scale: 1 is normal, 5 is severely abnormal
• <10 sec: Independent
• > 20 sec: at the limit for functional independence, increased fall risk
• > 30 sec: high fall risk

Question 6

Tinetti

Answer 6

• Assess fall risk
• max score of 16 for first section, max score of 12 for second section, total max score 28.
• Total score <19 indicates high fall risk