The reliability of the modified Balance Error Scoring System.
OBJECTIVE
Study 1 investigated the intraclass reliability and percent variance associated with each component within the traditional Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) protocol. Study 2 investigated the reliability of subsequent modifications of the BESS.


METHODS
Prospective cross-sectional examination of the traditional and modified BESS protocols.


METHODS
Schools participating in Georgia High School Athletics Association.


METHODS
The modified BESS consisted of 2 surfaces (firm and foam) and 2 stances (single-leg and tandem-leg stance) repeated for a total of three 20-second trials.


METHODS
Participants consisted of 2 independent samples of high school athletes aged 13 to 19 years.


METHODS
Percent variance for each condition of the BESS was obtained using GENOVA 3.1. An intraclass reliability coefficient and repeated measures analysis of variance were calculated using SPSS 13.0.


RESULTS
Study 1 obtained an intraclass correlation coefficient (r = 0.60) with stance accounting for 55% of the total variance. Removing the double-leg stance increased the intraclass correlation coefficient (r = 0.71). Study 2 found a statistically significant difference between trials 1 and 2 (F(1.65,286) = 4.890, P = 0.013) and intraclass reliability coefficient of r = 0.88 for 3 trials of 4 conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
The variance associated with the double-leg stance was very small, and when removed, the intraclass reliability coefficient of the BESS increased. Removal of the double-leg stance and addition of 3 trials of 4 conditions provided an easily administered, cost-effective, time-efficient tool that provides reliable objective information for clinicians to base clinical decisions upon.
Hunt
Tamerah N
TN
School of Allied Medical Professions, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43221, USA. tamerah.hunt@osumc.edu
Ferrara
Michael S
MS
Bornstein
Robert A
RA
Baumgartner
Ted A
TA
D000293:Adolescent; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D004856:Postural Balance; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D055815:Young Adult