berg_balance_scale: Berg Balance Scale (BBS)

In cliot: Clinical Indices and Outcomes Tools

Berg Balance Scale (BBS)

Description

Calculates the Berg Balance Scale score, a widely used clinical test of a person's static and dynamic balance abilities. The scale consists of 14 functional tasks, each scored from 0 to 4. The total score (0-56) indicates the patient's risk of falling.

Usage

berg_balance_scale(sit_to_stand, standing_unsupported, sitting_unsupported,
                   stand_to_sit, transfers, standing_eyes_closed,
                   standing_feet_together, reaching_forward, retrieving_object,
                   turning_to_look_behind, turning_360, stool_stepping,
                   tandem_standing, one_leg_stand)

Arguments

sit_to_stand	Numeric (0-4). Ability to stand up.
standing_unsupported	Numeric (0-4). Ability to stand for 2 minutes without holding on.
sitting_unsupported	Numeric (0-4). Ability to sit with back unsupported but feet on floor or on a stool.
stand_to_sit	Numeric (0-4). Ability to sit down.
transfers	Numeric (0-4). Ability to transfer (e.g., bed to chair).
standing_eyes_closed	Numeric (0-4). Ability to stand unsupported with eyes closed.
standing_feet_together	Numeric (0-4). Ability to stand unsupported with feet together.
reaching_forward	Numeric (0-4). Ability to reach forward with outstretched arm while standing.
retrieving_object	Numeric (0-4). Ability to pick up an object from the floor from a standing position.
turning_to_look_behind	Numeric (0-4). Ability to turn to look behind over left and right shoulders while standing.
turning_360	Numeric (0-4). Ability to turn 360 degrees.
stool_stepping	Numeric (0-4). Ability to place alternate foot on a step or stool while standing unsupported.
tandem_standing	Numeric (0-4). Ability to stand with one foot in front of the other.
one_leg_stand	Numeric (0-4). Ability to stand on one leg.

Value

A list containing:

BBS_Total_Score	The sum of the 14 items (Range 0-56).
Fall_Risk_Classification	Interpretation: "High Fall Risk" (0-20), "Medium Fall Risk" (21-40), or "Low Fall Risk" (41-56).

References

Berg KO, Wood-Dauphinee SL, Williams JI, Maki B. Measuring balance in the elderly: validation of an instrument. Can J Public Health. 1992;83 Suppl 2:S7-11.

Examples

# Example 1: Low Fall Risk
# Most items scored 4 or 3
berg_balance_scale(4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 4, 3, 4, 2, 2)

# Example 2: High Fall Risk
# Most items scored 0 or 1
berg_balance_scale(1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0)

cliot documentation built on Dec. 1, 2025, 1:06 a.m.