Berg Balance Scale

The Berg balance scale is a test to check for issues with your sense of balance. You may have this test if you have a condition that affects your ability to maintain your balance.

In this test, you’ll complete 14 different tasks, like standing on one leg or sitting down in a chair. A healthcare provider checks your ability to do the tasks. You don’t pass or fail a Berg balance test. Providers use the test results to see if you should have balance support to move around safely.

Why is the Berg balance test done?

Many conditions can affect your sense of balance. Some examples are:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Inner ear (vestibular) issues
• Intellectual disabilities
• Limb loss or amputation
• Lung disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Osteoarthritis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Progressive dementia
• Spinal cord injury
• Traumatic brain injury

How does the Berg balance scale work?

Your healthcare provider asks you to do tasks that involve sitting, standing or making simple movements. They’ll score each one, using a 0 to 4 scale. Then, they’ll add up the scores and use the total score to estimate the risk you’ll lose your balance or fall.

What should I expect during the test?

Your healthcare provider will ask you to:

• Move from a sitting to a standing position
• Stand up unsupported
• Sit unsupported
• Move from a standing to a sitting position
• Use your arms to move 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

The test will take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Let your provider know if it hurts to do a specific activity or you’re afraid you could fall while doing an activity. You may feel anxious about completing some steps, particularly if you’re a bit unsteady on your feet. It may help to know your healthcare provider will be close by and ready to give any support you may need.

What do the test scores mean?

The test scores range from 0 to 56. The lower the score, the greater your risk of losing your balance. Your score depends on your ability to:

• Complete a task unassisted: Say the task is to stand on one leg. The score will be higher if you can do that without using your arms to stay steady.
• Hold a position: You may be asked to hold a position for up to a minute.
• Stay steady as you move: Your provider will assess how you maintain your posture and move your body to balance your weight.

Your test score will fall within one of three ranges. Your provider will recommend the type of balance support you may need to be safe when you move around. The ranges are:

• 0 to 20: You may need to use a wheelchair to move safely.
• 21 to 40: You may need a cane, walker or another type of walking support.
• 41 to 56: You don’t need any help to move safely.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Most people have a Berg balance test because they have issues that make it hard for them to maintain balance. You should contact a healthcare provider if your condition symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms.

People who don’t have an underlying condition should talk to a provider if they have symptoms like dizziness or feeling unsteady. These symptoms may be temporary. But some conditions can cause balance issues. You should contact your provider right away if your symptoms last for more than an hour or if you also have:

• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Your provider may recommend specific tests to find out why you feel dizzy or unsteady.

How reliable is the Berg balance scale?

It’s a standard test for checking balance issues and fall risk. Research shows this test is a reliable way to check balance. But the test has limitations. For example, healthcare providers can’t use this test to find gait abnormalities. Your gait is your pattern of walking.