Table 1 Overview of several widely used clinical assessments for balance function

Romberg test [77]

X

-

-

-

-

-

Ability to stand with eyes closed compared to eyes opened: able/unable, or time (in seconds) position was maintained.

One-leg stance test, or single leg support, or timed unipedal stance test [78]

X

-

-

-

-

-

Time in seconds until one-leg stand is ended, by: lowering the elevated foot on the floor, taking hands off the hip or touching the standing leg with the elevated foot.

Functional reach test [79]

X

-

X

-

-

-

Maximum distance reached (from start) in centimeters.

Lateral reach test [80]

X

-

X

-

-

-

Maximal lateral reach to the right and left (from start) in centimeters.

Get Up and Go test [81]

-

-

X

X

-

-

Score from 1 (normal) to 5 (severely abnormal) based on perceived (ab) normality.

Timed Up and Go test [82]

-

-

X

X

-

-

Time (in seconds) to complete task and score from 1 to 5 based on observer’s perception of risk of falling.

Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), or Tinetti test [83]

X

X

X

X

X

-

Score from 0 (unable or highly impaired) to 1 or 2 (independent) on multiple tasks, based on ability to perform task and need of support (balance), or quality of movements (gait).

Berg Balance Test (BBT) [84]

X

-

X

-

-

-

Score from 0 (low) to 4 (high), based on ability to perform multiple separate tasks.

Balance Evaluation Systems test (BESTest) [11]

X

X

X

X

X

-

Score from 0 (severe impairment) to 3 (no impairment) on multiple tasks, based on ability to perform task; some related to time or speed.