Article

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a performance-based measure of standing
balance commonly used by clinicians working with individuals post-stroke.
Performance on the BBS can be influenced by compensatory strategies, but measures
derived from two force plates can isolate compensatory strategies and thus better
indicate balance impairment. This study examined BBS scores that reflect "normal"
and disordered balance with respect to dual force-plate measures of standing
balance in individuals post-stroke. Methods: BBS and force-plate measures were
extracted from 75 patient charts. Individuals were classified by BBS score with
respect to (1) age-matched normative values and (2) values that suggested
increased risk of falls. Multiple analysis of variance was used to examine the
effect of group assignment on force-plate measures of standing balance. Results:
Individuals with BBS scores within and below normative values did not differ in
force-plate measures. Individuals with BBS scores below the falls risk cutoff
loaded their affected leg less than individuals with BBS scores above the cutoff.
There were no other differences in force-plate measures between these two groups.
Conclusions: BBS scores indicating either normal or disordered balance function
are not necessarily associated with normal or disordered quiet standing-balance
control measured by two force plates. This finding suggests that the BBS may
reflect a capacity for compensation rather than any underlying impairments.

Langue : ANGLAIS