Kara K Patterson1,2,3, Elizabeth Inness1,2,3, William E McIlroy2,3,4, Avril Mansfield1,2,3. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto. 2. Toronto Rehab, University Health Network. 3. Heart and Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto. 4. Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont.
Abstract
Purpose: 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.
Purpose: 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.
Authors: Janna Hendrickson; Kara K Patterson; Elizabeth L Inness; William E McIlroy; Avril Mansfield Journal: Gait Posture Date: 2013-07-19 Impact factor: 2.840
Authors: Avril Mansfield; Cynthia J Danells; Elizabeth Inness; George Mochizuki; William E McIlroy Journal: Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) Date: 2010-11-05 Impact factor: 2.063
Authors: C Gowland; P Stratford; M Ward; J Moreland; W Torresin; S Van Hullenaar; J Sanford; S Barreca; B Vanspall; N Plews Journal: Stroke Date: 1993-01 Impact factor: 7.914
Authors: Kathryn M Sibley; Sharon E Straus; Elizabeth L Inness; Nancy M Salbach; Susan B Jaglal Journal: Implement Sci Date: 2013-03-20 Impact factor: 7.327