Berg Balance Scale
Berg Balance Scale
The Berg Balance Scale (pronounced: bɜːrg bæləns skeɪl) is a widely used clinical test of a person's static and dynamic balance abilities. The scale is named after the Swedish physiotherapist, Katherine Berg, who developed it in 1989.
Etymology
The term "Berg Balance Scale" is derived from the name of its creator, Katherine Berg, and the word "balance", which refers to the ability to maintain the body's center of mass over its base of support. The word "scale" is used in the sense of a grading system.
Description
The Berg Balance Scale is a 14-item list covering the spectrum of balance tasks, ranging from standing up from a sitting position, to standing on one foot. Each task is scored on a scale from 0 (unable to perform) to 4 (able to perform independently), with a maximum score of 56. The higher the score, the better the person's balance abilities.
Related Terms
Usage
The Berg Balance Scale is used by healthcare professionals, particularly physiotherapists, to assess a person's balance. It is commonly used in the rehabilitation of individuals who have had a stroke, and in the assessment of fall risk in older adults.
See Also
References
- Berg, K., Wood-Dauphinee, S., Williams, J.I., & Gayton, D. (1989). Measuring balance in the elderly: Preliminary development of an instrument. Physiotherapy Canada, 41(6), 304-311.
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