14-item balance assessment for older adults and patients with balance impairments. Evaluates fall risk based on functional balance tasks.
Berg Balance Score
0/56
0/14 items scored
0 (High Risk)214156 (Low Risk)
Score Interpretation
41-56
Low Fall Risk
21-40
Medium Fall Risk
0-20
High Fall Risk
A change of 8 points is required to reveal a genuine change in function between 2 assessments.
Balance Tasks (0-4 scale each)
1
Sitting to standing
Please stand up. Try not to use your hands for support.
2
Standing unsupported
Please stand for two minutes without holding on.
3
Sitting unsupported
Please sit with arms folded for two minutes.
4
Standing to sitting
Please sit down.
5
Transfers
Please move from chair to bed and back again.
6
Standing with eyes closed
Please close your eyes and stand still for 10 seconds.
7
Standing with feet together
Please place your feet together and stand without holding on.
8
Reaching forward with outstretched arm
Lift arm to 90°. Stretch out your fingers and reach forward as far as you can.
9
Pick up object from floor
Pick up the shoe/slipper which is placed in front of your feet.
10
Turning to look behind
Turn to look directly behind you over your left shoulder. Repeat to the right.
11
Turn 360 degrees
Turn completely around in a full circle. Pause, then turn in the other direction.
12
Placing alternate foot on stool
Place each foot alternately on the step/stool. Continue until each foot has touched 4 times.
13
Standing with one foot in front
Place one foot directly in front of the other. If unable, step far enough ahead that heel of front foot is ahead of toes of other foot.
14
Standing on one leg
Stand on one leg as long as you can without holding on.
Disclaimer: The Berg Balance Scale is a clinical assessment tool and should be administered by trained healthcare professionals. Scores should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical judgment and other assessment findings. The scale has excellent reliability and validity for assessing balance in older adults.
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