Table 2 Description of the balance scales and tests
Measure | Description |
|---|---|
Berg balance scale (BBS) | A 14-item scale (measured from 0 to 4) designed to measure the balance of a person in a clinical setting. The scale ranges from 0 to 56. |
Brunel balance assessment (BBA) | A functional balance measurement for people with a wide range of abilities; it has been specifically tested for post-stroke use in a clinical setting. The scale ranges from 0 to 14. |
Anterior reach test (ART) | Maximum distance that the hand can be extended forward. The patient extends one arm to an angle of 90 degrees, while standing with legs about shoulder- width apart. The test can be run in sitting (ART-sit) or standing (ART-stand) position. |
Timed stair test (TST) | Time required to climb and to descend five 8 cm high steps with handrails on both sides. |
Stepping test (ST) | Times that the patient is able to place one foot onto a 7.5 cm high step and then back down to the floor within 15 seconds. The action is repeated as fast as possible during the test for the paretic and non-paretic leg. The step is placed 5 cm in front of the individual's feet. |
1-minute walking test (1MWT) | Walking distance within a minute along an 8-shaped path that is 20 m long defined on a straight and nonslip surface. |
10-m walking test (10MT) | Time to walk 10 m on a straight and nonslip surface. |
Time "up and go" test (TUG) | Stop-watch measurement of the time taken for a return trip to a pole placed 5 m ahead, with the subject starting from a seated position in a chair. |
30-s sit-to-stand test (30SST) | Repetitions of rising exercise from a sitting position on a bench. |