Anyone ever hear of the Berg Balance Scale?

This apparently is widely accepted as a measurement tool for balance ability in older folks (that's me), but also in people with neurological diseases. I found out the results of this and other tests today when I had my PT appointment.

I seem to have a balance score of 46 out of 56, which isn't too bad. The PT said that under 48 indicates some likelihood of falling, though when I googled the BBS I found that 40 is the magic number for some purposes. What I really have trouble with is the tandem walk, or even the 'tandem stand still.' I'm sure that my current bout of vertigo doesn't help things, but I have balance problems regardless.

My strength assessment shows weakness in shoulders, arms and hands, also hips, the left side slightly worse (odd, because I'm left handed). However, none of the weakness is worse than mild to moderate, and most is just mild. I kind of already knew most of this, but I was puzzled because I exercise regularly and have for years. When I'm really fatigued that goes by the wayside, of course. Still, most of the time I'm very diligent.

My Hopkins neuro identified only hip flexor weakness 13 months ago, during the only time they've given me a full  strength test. I'm wondering whether my current tests show a real decline, or whether the testing is so subjective that one tester's findings can never be compared with another's.

I'll be going to PT for a while at least, but hope to limit this and do the exercises at home fairly soon. Getting tired of all these medical appointments! Last week was a horror.

I hope everyone's Monday is tranquil.

ess

[essdipity]

Bump. I'm hoping someone can comment on my balance and strength issues.

ess

[sllowe]

Hi Essy,

How did you go about getting assessed by the PT?  My thoughts are along the lines of yours that maybe the 1st was not comparible to the 2nd.  If it was, then yes, there is a chance of decline.  Do you feel very differently since your past exam in MD?

ttys,
Shell

[uk2]

My Pt did this with me and then worked on my balance i cant do the walk with the feet one in front of each other more then 3 steps but when having vertigo i cant do one lol

cant stand with feet together either fall or with one foot in front of other fall cant stand with eyes close fall, this did improve last year after working closely with her but has got very bad since my 5 week flare including 3 weeks of vertigo.

sam

[shoshin]

I dug out my records and I did have the Berg Balance Scale when I did PT. I think the PT picked up on more things than any of the neuros as far as gait, balance, and strength. Or maybe the PT was just more forthcoming with info.

Did you get the whole results or just the number? Mine was actually 50, but I still fall occasionally (cursed ice). Mine says the risk for falls is a score of 37 or less.

For anyone who's interested, this test involves fourteen activities each scored from 0-4 as follows:

1. Sitting to standing

2. Standing unsupported

3. Sitting unsupported feet on floor

4. Standing to sitting

5. Transfers

6. Standing unsupported with eyes closed

7. Standing unsupported with feet together

8. Reaching forward with outstretched arm

9. Pick up object from the floor

10. Turning to look behind over left and right shoulders

11. Turn 360 degrees

      Dynamic weight shifting while standing unsupported

12. Count number of times step touch measured stool

13. Stand unsupported one foot in front of the other foot

14. Stand on one leg

However, on a different test called the Tinetti Assessment tool (which has a gait and balance score), I got a moderate fall risk (although this mostly seemed to come from the gait part). On something called "functional reach" (for which I don't seem to have the more detailed results), I apparently am "2x more likely to fall."

I also had a sensory organization test (SOT), which is a machine that determines how well the elements of your balance system (vision, somatosensory, i.e., the sensation in your feet and vestibular) function. Apparently, my vestibular system was out to lunch (although it has improved somewhat since then)

I also had something called a functional gait assessment and showed some reduced strength on the strength testing.

I only went to PT for four weeks. They gave me some exercises to do at home which I have continued to do. They said if my situation changed, I should come back for different exercises.

sho

[PastorDan]

Odd.  Balance was the primary thing for which I was referred to the therapist, and she seemed quite knowledeable, but her report mentions no score.  I did test positive on the Fukuda step test, which consists of marching in place with one's eyes closed, though there are different opinions about how long the patient should march.  Basically, after about a minute, I would consistently move forward and turn to my right.