The Berg balance test — or Berg balance scale (BBS) — is a widely used assessment to determine a person’s balance abilities. The test contains 14 simple tasks and the entire process takes about 20 minutes to complete.
The Berg balance scale helps determine a person’s ability to safely balance. The test consists of 14 predetermined tasks, each of which are scored on a scale from 0 to 4. The higher the score, the better your balance.
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Originally, the Berg balance scale was designed to assess people over the age of 65 or those who have had a stroke. Today, however, the test is used to determine balance ability in several different populations, including people with:
When the Berg balance scale was created in 1989, it was intended to assess both balance and fall risk. However, research throughout the years has shown that the test is a poor predictor of falls. Therefore, today the BBS is generally used to assess static balance (the ability to keep your body in a fixed posture). If your healthcare provider’s goal is to determine your fall risk, the BBS may be performed in combination with other assessments, while taking your unique situation into account.
The Berg balance scale is a simple assessment that can be performed by any healthcare provider with adequate training. It’s commonly used by occupational therapists, physical therapists and clinical exercise physiologists to determine a person’s functional mobility.
Your healthcare provider will ask you to perform a series of tasks. Your ability to perform each of these tasks is graded on a scale from 0 to 4 and the scores are added together. The highest possible score is 56.
There’s no need to prepare anything prior to the Berg balance scale test. Your healthcare provider will explain how the test works when you arrive for your appointment.
Your provider will ask you to perform 14 specific movements:
Following your Berg balance scale test, your provider will tally up your scores and discuss their findings with you. They may use the results of your test to determine next steps in treatment.
The Berg balance scale test takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Yes. The Berg balance scale was designed to give healthcare providers a standardized measurement tool to assess balance.
Berg balance scale scoring ranges from 0 to 56. The lower your score, the more at risk you are for losing your balance. In general, Berg balance scale scores are interpreted as such:
Because the Berg balance scale can be administered quickly in one office visit, you should know the results before your appointment is over.
Sometimes balance problems are temporary, but they can also be an indication of an underlying issue. If you experience balance problems that last more than an hour, or that are accompanied by other symptoms — such as headaches, neck pain or nausea and vomiting — call your healthcare provider right away. They can perform an examination to determine the root cause of your balance issues and design a personalized treatment plan for your needs.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
The Berg balance scale is used to assess balance problems related to a wide range of health issues. Keep in mind that this assessment plays one small role in your diagnosis. Your healthcare provider may use a combination of tests to determine the best treatment for your specific needs.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/17/2021.
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