AUTHORS: Danielle C. Stern, Ryan Z. Amick, Samantha D. Jansen, and Jeremy A. Patterson, FACSM
ABSTRACT: The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is a subjective clinical balance assessment frequently used by various healthcare providers. A test administrator records the number of pre-defined errors committed by the test subject as they perform a number of balance stances.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the number of observed errors when scoring the BESS in real time versus watching a slow-motion video recording.
METHODS: 43 subjects (60.0 + 6.76 yrs) performed a familiarization trial immediately followed by an experimental trial. All trials were recorded on video and BESS scoring was completed by a Certified Athletic Trainer.
RESULTS: Total BESS scores evaluated in real time and evaluated with slow-motion video were 11.07 ± 4.10 and 11.23 ± 4.77 respectively. Paired samples t-test reveals no significant difference between the means.
CONCLUSION: Our results conclude that there is no significant difference in observed errors when scoring BESS in real time vs. slow motion video.