The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was developed to measure balance among older people with impairment in balance function by assessing the performance of functional tasks. It is a valid
instrument used for evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions and for quantitative descriptions of function in clinical practice and research.
Description:
14-item scale designed to measure balance of the older adult in a clinical setting.
Equipment needed: Ruler, two standard chairs (one with arm rests, one without),
footstool or step, stopwatch or wristwatch, 15 ft walkway
Completion Time: 15-20 minutes
Sitting to standing
Standing unsupported
Sitting unsupported
Standing to sitting
Transfers
Standing with eyes closed
Standing with feet together
Reaching forward with outstretched arm
Retrieving object from floor
Turning to look behind
Turning 360 degrees
Placing alternate foot on stool
Standing with one foot in front
Standing on one foot
Scoring: A five-point scale, ranging from 0-4. “0” indicates the lowest level of function and “4” the highest level of function. Total Score = 56
Interpretation: 41-56 = low fall risk
21-40 = medium fall risk
0 –20 = high fall risk
A change of 8 points is required to reveal a genuine change in function between 2 assessments