Note: Rate each of the 14 items from 0 (lowest function) to 4 (highest function). Maximum possible score is 56.
Test Items (Scale: 0 to 4 each)
1. Sitting to standing
4 - Needs no hands, able to stabilize independently 3 - Able to stand using hands independently 2 - Able to stand using hands after several tries 1 - Needs minimal aid to stand or stabilize 0 - Needs moderate or maximal assist to stand
2. Standing unsupported for 2 minutes
4 - Able to stand safely for 2 minutes 3 - Able to stand 2 minutes with supervision 2 - Able to stand 30 seconds unassisted 1 - Needs several tries to stand 30 seconds unassisted 0 - Unable to stand 30 seconds unassisted
3. Sitting unsupported with back unsupported and feet on floor for 2 minutes
4 - Able to sit safely and securely for 2 minutes 3 - Able to sit 2 minutes under supervision 2 - Able to sit 30 seconds 1 - Able to sit 10 seconds 0 - Unable to sit without support 10 seconds
4. Standing to sitting
4 - Sits safely with minimal use of hands 3 - Controls descent by using hands 2 - Uses back of legs against chair to control descent 1 - Sits independently but has uncontrolled descent 0 - Needs assist to sit
5. Transfers (chair to chair and back)
4 - Able to transfer safely with minor use of hands 3 - Able to transfer safely with definite use of hands 2 - Able to transfer with verbal cueing and/or supervision 1 - Needs one person to assist 0 - Needs two people to assist or supervise safely
6. Standing unsupported with eyes closed for 10 seconds
4 - Able to stand 10 seconds safely 3 - Able to stand 10 seconds with supervision 2 - Able to stand 3 seconds 1 - Unable to keep eyes closed 3 seconds but stays upright 0 - Needs help to prevent falling
7. Standing unsupported with feet together for 1 minute
4 - Able to place feet together independently and stand 1 minute safely 3 - Able to place feet together independently and stand 1 minute with supervision 2 - Able to place feet together independently but maintains for only 30 seconds 1 - Needs help to attain position but stands 15 seconds with feet together 0 - Needs help to attain position and unable to hold for 15 seconds
8. Reaching forward with outstretched arm while standing
4 - Can reach forward confidently > 25 cm (10 inches) 3 - Can reach forward > 12 cm (5 inches) safely 2 - Can reach forward > 5 cm (2 inches) safely 1 - Reaches forward but needs supervision 0 - Loses balance while trying / requires external support
9. Picking up object from the floor from a standing position
4 - Able to pick up slipper safely and easily 3 - Able to pick up slipper but needs supervision 2 - Unable to pick up but reaches 2-5 cm (1-2 inches) from slipper and maintains balance independently 1 - Unable to pick up and needs minimal assist to keep balance 0 - Unable to try / needs loss of balance prevent / assist
10. Turning to look behind over left and right shoulders while standing
4 - Looks behind from both sides and weight shifts well 3 - Looks behind one side only; other side shows lesser weight shift 2 - Turns sideways only but maintains balance 1 - Needs supervision when turning 0 - Needs assistance to prevent falling
11. Turn 360 degrees
4 - Able to turn 360 degrees safely in 4 seconds or less each side 3 - Able to turn 360 degrees safely one side only in 4 seconds or less 2 - Able to turn 360 degrees safely but slowly 1 - Needs close supervision or verbal cueing 0 - Needs assistance while turning
12. Placing alternate foot on step or stool while standing unsupported
4 - Able to stand independently and safely and complete 4 steps in 20 seconds 3 - Able to complete 4 steps without aid with supervision 2 - Able to complete 2 steps without assistance 1 - Needs minimal assistance to complete > 2 steps 0 - Needs assistance to prevent falling / unable to try
13. Standing unsupported one foot in front (tandem stance)
4 - Able to place foot tandem independently and hold 30 seconds 3 - Able to place foot ahead independently and hold 30 seconds 2 - Able to take small step independently and hold 30 seconds 1 - Needs help to step but can hold 15 seconds 0 - Loses balance while stepping or standing
14. Standing on one leg
4 - Able to lift leg independently and hold > 10 seconds 3 - Able to lift leg independently and hold 5-10 seconds 2 - Able to lift leg independently and hold >= 3 seconds 1 - Tries to lift leg; unable to hold 3 seconds but remains standing independently 0 - Unable to try or needs assist to prevent fall
Calculate Berg Balance Score ⚠️ For educational and informational purposes only. Do not use for clinical diagnosis or fall-risk management without professional healthcare evaluation.
