Berg Balance Test
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a test used to assess functional mobility and balance, with scores ranging from 0 to 56, where higher scores indicate better balance and lower scores suggest a higher risk of falls.
What is the Berg balance scale (Berg balance test)?
The Berg balance scale helps determine your ability to balance safely. The scale consists of 14 tasks that a healthcare provider scores on a scale from 0 to 4. The higher the score, the better your balance.
It’s a straightforward, reliable test providers use to assess functional balance (your ability to balance so you’re moving safely and effectively in everyday life). “Reliability” means you can trust the test results because they remain consistent. Studies show that even when different providers administer the test for the same person, the results remain the same.
How does the Berg Balance test work?
Your healthcare provider will ask you to perform a series of tasks that involve sitting, standing or making simple movements. They’ll score your ability to perform each task on a scale from 0 to 4 and then add the numbers together. The highest possible score is 56.
The Berg balance scale test takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
What should I expect before the test?
You don’t need to do anything to prepare. Your healthcare provider will explain how the test works when you arrive for your appointment.
What should I expect during the test?
Your healthcare provider will ask you to perform 14 specific movements in a Berg balance test:
- Move from a sitting to a standing position.
- Stand up unsupported.
- Sit unsupported.
- Move from a standing to a sitting position.
- Transfer from one chair to another.
- Stand up with your eyes closed.
- Stand with your feet together.
- Reach forward with an outstretched arm.
- Pick an object up off the floor.
- Turn and look behind you.
- Turn around in a complete circle.
- Place each foot alternately on a stool in front of you.
- Stand unsupported with one foot directly in front of the other.
- Stand on one leg for as long as you can.