Normative Data for the Balance Error Scoring System in Iranian Adults

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Motor Control
• Clinical Neurophysiology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is crucial for assessing postural stability, particularly in concussion diagnosis.
• Existing BESS normative databases are limited by population-specific anthropometric and sociocultural factors.
• Developing localized normative data is essential for accurate balance assessment across diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a normative BESS dataset for healthy Iranian adults, stratified by age.
• To investigate correlations between BESS scores and anthropometric variables (sex, height, weight, BMI).
• To provide a culturally relevant reference for postural stability evaluation.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1051 healthy Iranian adults aged 20-69 years.
• Participants were categorized into five age groups (by decade).
• Standard BESS protocol administered, including double-leg, single-leg, and tandem stances on firm and foam surfaces with eyes closed.

Main Results:

• BESS scores showed statistically significant differences across most age groups (P < .05).
• Weak, significant correlations were observed between BESS scores and height (r = -.13) and BMI (r = .11).
• Sex-based differences in BESS scores were significant in adults aged 50-69 years.

Conclusions:

• A normative BESS database for asymptomatic Iranian adults was successfully generated.
• Postural stability, as measured by BESS, is influenced by age and, to a lesser extent, by height and BMI.
• The findings underscore the necessity of population-specific normative data for accurate balance assessment, especially for older adults and across sexes.