title: The Diagnostic Accuracy of the Berg Balance Scale in Predicting Falls.
abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive validity of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) as a screening tool for fall risks among those with varied levels of balance. A total of 21 studies reporting predictive validity of the BBS of fall risk were meta-analyzed. With regard to the overall predictive validity of the BBS, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.72 and 0.73, respectively; the accuracy curve area was 0.84. The findings showed statistical heterogeneity among studies. Among the sub-groups, the age group of those younger than 65 years, those with neuromuscular disease, those with 2+ falls, and those with a cutoff point of 45 to 49 showed better sensitivity with statistically less heterogeneity. The empirical evidence indicates that the BBS is a suitable tool to screen for the risk of falls and shows good predictability when used with the appropriate criteria and applied to those with neuromuscular disease.
authors: 1 Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, South Korea.
authors: Seong-Hi
authors: SH
authors: Park
authors: 2 San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors: Young-Shin
authors: YS
authors: Lee
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D004856:Postural Balance; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
keywords: accidental falls; meta-analysis; sensitivity; specificity