Web Portal

The web portal contains instructional videos and scoring samples of all twenty-seven task evaluations in the BESTest as well as explanations of of the six main balance categories.

 

Go to BESTest WEB PORTAL>>

 

Go to miniBESTest WEB PORTAL>>

  1. Subjects should be tested with flat heeled shoes or with shoes and socks off.
  2. If subject must use an assistive device for an item, score that item one category lower

Tools Required

  • Stop watch
  • Measuring tape mounted on wall for Functional Reach test
  • Block of 4-inch, medium-density, Tempur® foam (About 60 cm x 60 cm or 2 X 2 ft): 
  • Stair step, 15 cm (6 inches) in height for alternate stair tap
  • 2 stacked shoe boxes for obstacle during gait 
  • 2.5 Kg (5-lb) free weight for rapid arm raise
  • Firm chair with arms with 3 meters in front marked with tape for Get Up and Go test
  • Masking tape to mark 3 m and 6 m lengths on the floor for Get Up and Go

Download/Print

Score Sheet

A form that you can download or print that assits in scoring patients or subjects.

Save or Print:  BESTest_ScoreSheet.pdf

 
Reference Sheet

A printout reference of tasks that can act as a guide and notes while watching videos, or as a quick reference while first leanring and starting to administer the BESTest.  Includes both instructions for the clinician, and a script of what to say to the subject.

Save or Print: BESTest_Script.pdf

 

Workshop Information

The purpose of this workshop is to develop skills in using a systems balance evaluation to differentiate complex balance disorders in neurological patients.

Participants will learn how to use this BESTest evaluation to design more specific, effective rehabilitation treatments for balance retraining. This systems approach is useful for patients with very mild balance deficits as well as patients with very complex balance deficits. Examples from patients with Parkinsons disease, vestibular disorders and cerebellar ataxia will be used to illustrate how different balance evaluations lead to different treatments.

Use of the BESTest will give clinicians a new tool for quantifying balance and differentiating balance deficits to design more effective treatments.

Objectives

Participants will:
  1. Learn about recent research identifying how constraints on different balance systems result in different types of balance deficits.
  2. Become skilled in using the Balance Evaluation Systems Test.
  3. Be exposed to evidence for effectiveness of balance rehabilitation for neurological patients.
  4. Design specific exercise programs for balance problems associated with Parkinson’s disease, vestibular and cerebellar ataxia, and other deficits.

Upcoming Workshops


Past Workshops

Sep
24
Balance disorders in neurologic pathologies: assessment and rehabilitation
Ticino, Switzerland
1:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Two-day seminar to provide participants clinical skills aimed to treat balance disorders with special attention to Parkinson's disease and multiple sc.....
Oct
28
Balance in PD Webinar: Key Challenges and Assessment
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
.....
Sep
29
BESTest workshop: Girdwood, Alaska 2013
The Hotel Alyeska
1:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Participants will learn how to use the BESTest, miniBESTest and Mobility Lab to design specific, effective rehabilitation treatments for balance retra.....