Berg Balance Scale The Berg Balance scale was developed by Katherine Berg, Wood-Dauphinee, Williams and Gayton

in 1989 as a tool that measures balance in the elderly over the age of 65 with stroke, Parkinsons and other causes of balance impairment. The scale has been used to identify and objectively evaluate balance impairment in elderly people. The scale consists of 14 different tasks. The items test the subjects ability to maintain positions or movements of increasing difficulty. The ability to change positions is also assessed. Each item is scored on a scale of 0 to 4, for a maximum of 56 points. It takes 20 to 25 minutes to complete. A change in score of 5 has been shown to be clinically significant when used on a pre and post test basis. The 14 tasks assessed include: 1. sitting to standing 2. standing unsupported 3. sitting unsupported 4. standing to sitting 5. transfers 6. standing with eyes closed 7. standing with feet together 8. reaching forward with outstretched arm 9. retrieving object from floor 10. turning to look behind 11. turning 360 degrees 12. placing alternate foot on stool 13. standing with one foot in front 14. standing on one foot Interpretation of scores: 54 56 within normal balance for the normal adult population 50 56 within normal balance for the elderly over 65, unlimited ambulation 47 49 impaired balance, limited outdoor ambulation. Often uses a cane outdoors. 44 46 impaired balance, high risk for fall when score is <45. tends to use cane both indoors and out. May also be using a walker. 27 40 impaired balance, generally a household ambulator with a walker 0 20 non-functional ambulator, generally housebound.

References (original) Berg KO, Wood Dauphinee S, Williams JI, Gayton DG. Measuring balance in the elderly:preliminary development of an instrument. Physiotherapy Canada 1989;41:304-11 Berg KO, Maki BE, Williams JI, Holliday PJ, Wood-Dauphinee SL. Clinical and laboratory measures of postural balance in an elderly population. Arch Phys Med Rehab 1992;73:1073-80 Wood-Dauphinee S, Berg K, Bravo G, Williams JI. The Balance Scale: Responding to clinically meaningful changes. Canadian Journal of Rehabilitation 10:35-50, 1997