Measuring balance in the elderly: validation of an instrument.
This study assessed the validity of the Balance Scale by examining: how Scale scores related to clinical judgements and self-perceptions of balance, laboratory measures of postural sway and external criteria reflecting balancing ability; if scores could predict falls in the elderly; and how they related to motor and functional performance in stroke patients. Elderly residents (N = 113) were assessed for functional performance and balance regularly over a nine-month period. Occurrence of falls was monitored for a year. Acute stroke patients (N = 70) were periodically rated for functional independence, motor performance and balance for over three months. Thirty-one elderly subjects were assessed by clinical and laboratory indicators reflecting balancing ability. The Scale correlated moderately with caregiver ratings, self-ratings and laboratory measures of sway. Differences in mean Scale scores were consistent with the use of mobility aids by elderly residents and differentiated stroke patients by location of follow-up. Balance scores predicted the occurrence of multiple falls among elderly residents and were strongly correlated with functional and motor performance in stroke patients.
Berg
K O
KO
School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, PQ.
Wood-Dauphinee
S L
SL
Williams
J I
JI
Maki
B
B
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results