Defining and measuring balance in adults.
The ability to maintain balance is often taken for granted, yet it is the foundation for mobility and overall functional independence throughout the life span. The purpose of this article is to define balance, review the components of balance, and describe common instruments used to measure balance. Clinical screening instruments, functional performance tests, and technological measures of balance are reviewed addressing their uses, strengths, and limitations.
Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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PK
Yim-Chiplis
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Talbot
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004856:Postural Balance; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index