Normative data for the balance error scoring system in adults.

Area of Science:

• * Kinesiology and Biomechanics
• * Neurology and Rehabilitation

Background:

• * The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is a widely used, brief assessment for static balance.
• * Establishing normative data is crucial for accurate interpretation of BESS results in clinical and research settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To develop normative data for the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) in community-dwelling adults.
• * To provide a reference for interpreting BESS performance across different age groups and sexes.

Main Methods:

• * Cross-sectional, descriptive, and cohort study design.
• * 1,236 community-dwelling adults aged 20-69 without significant balance-affecting conditions participated.
• * The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) was administered during a fitness evaluation.

Main Results:

• * A significant positive correlation was found between BESS scores and age (r = .34).
• * BESS performance declined significantly in adults aged 50-69 compared to those aged 20-49.
• * Overweight women demonstrated significantly poorer BESS performance than non-overweight women (P < .0001; Cohen's d = .62).

Conclusions:

• * Normative data for the BESS stratified by age and sex have been established.
• * These data serve as a valuable reference for interpreting BESS performance in adults with traumatic brain injuries, neurological conditions, or vestibular disorders.