Balance (ability) - Functional Balance Tests

Functional Balance Tests

Functional tests of balance focus on maintenance of static balance, balance during weight shifting or voluntary movement (dynamic balance), balance responses to manual perturbations, and functional mobility. Standardized tests of balance are available to allow physiotherapists and other health care professionals to assess an individual’s functional performance. Some functional balance tests that are available are:

• Romberg Test: used to determine proprioceptive contributions to upright balance. Subject remains in quiet standing while eyes are open. Once excelling in this test subjects can go through the Sharpened Romberg Test which is a harder version of the Romberg Test. Subjects are to have their arms crossed, feet together and eyes closed. This decreases the base of support in the medial and lateral direction, raises the subjects centre of mass and now allowing arms for balance. This really tests the subjects ability to balance.
• Functional Reach Test: measures the maximal distance one can reach forward beyond arm’s length while maintaining feet planted in a standing position.
• Berg Balance Scale: measures static and dynamic balance abilities using functional tasks commonly performed in everyday life. One study reports that the Berg Balance Scale is the most commonly used assessment tool throughout stroke rehabilitation, and found it to be a sound measure of balance impairment in patients following a stroke.
• Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA): measures both static and dynamic balance using tasks testing balance and gait.
• Timed Get Up and Go Test: measures dynamic balance and mobility.
• Balance Efficacy Scale: self-report measure that examines an individual’s confidence while performing daily tasks with or without assistance.
• Star Excursion Test: A dynamic balance test that measures single stance maximal reach in multiple directions.

Static balance is the ability to maintain the line of gravity (vertical line from centre of gravity) within the base of support with minimal movement. The most commonly used test to measure static balance is monitoring centre of pressure (COP) motion for a specified duration as an athlete attempts to stand motionless on a force plate, double or single stance with eyes open or closed. It has been noted that COP is not the same as centre of gravity; however, little COP motion is suggestive of good balance and COP measured from a force plate is considered the gold standard measure of balance. Some studies suggest that balance training could be effective at increasing muscular strength, power output and jump height though enhanced neuromuscular efficiency and stretch reflexes.