title: A Normative Dataset of the Balance Error Scoring System in Children Aged Between 5 and 14.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Pediatric head injuries occur commonly and are being reported in increasing numbers. Balance testing is a key component in the evaluation of suspected concussion, and the balance error scoring system (BESS) is likely the most well-known and widely used measure. To date, normative BESS scores for adults have been reported but not for children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Normative data for BESS scores and modified BESS scores were created in a cohort of healthy children. Potential variables were analyzed as predictors of BESS performance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Local elementary and junior high schools.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 373 healthy children between the ages of 5 and 14.
  
  
  METHODS
  The BESS was performed on all children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Gender, body mass index percentile, previous concussions, athletic participation, age, and the parental opinion of child's balance ability were examined as factors associated with the BESS score.
  
  
  METHODS
  BESS scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Normative data are reported, stratified by age groups of 5 to 7 years, 8 to 10 years, and 11 to 14 years of age, for both BESS and modified BESS. Median BESS scores are 23 for children aged 5 to 7, 18 for children aged 8 to 10, and 16 for children aged 11 to 14. Median modified BESS scores are 8 for children age 5 to 7, 5 for children age 8 to 10, and 4 for children age 11 to 14. Increasing age and positive parental opinion regarding their child's balance ability were independently correlated with decreasing BESS scores (P < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The normative data on BESS scores for healthy children reported here provide age-stratified reference values for suspected balance alterations.
authors: *Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah;†Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah;‡College of Pharmacy, Roseman University, South Jordan, Utah;Departments of §Electrical & Computer Engineering; and¶Orthopaedics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
authors: Colby
authors: C
authors: Hansen
authors: Dan
authors: D
authors: Cushman
authors: Nicholas
authors: N
authors: Anderson
authors: Wei
authors: W
authors: Chen
authors: Christine
authors: C
authors: Cheng
authors: Shirley D
authors: SD
authors: Hon
authors: Man
authors: M
authors: Hung
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values