Comparative Study of Berg's Balance Scale and Balance Evaluation Systems Test in Measuring Outcome Following Balance Training in Parkinson's Patients Gaikwad Shilpa B.1, Writer H2 1PT, T.N. Medical College and B.Y.L. Nair Hospital, Mumbai 2Porfessor and Head of Department, Physiotherapy Dept., T.N. Medical College and B.Y.L.Nair Hospital, Mumbai Online published on 15 January, 2013. Abstract Background This Clinical trial was carried out to compare the responsiveness of, Berg's Balance Scale(BBS) and Balance evaluation system test(BESTest) to change in balance following 4 weeks of conventional Balance and flexibility exercise training in Parkinson's patients. Subjects 30 Parkinson's patient Method 30 Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease patients were randomly selected and screened for inclusion criteria. Prior to intervention, BBS and BESTest was administered during the ON period of antiParkinson's medication. Patients were incorporated into conventional Balance and flexibility exercise programme during their ON period of medication for a duration of 4 weeks. The exercises were performed by the patient during ON period of anti-Parkinson's medication for 45 min to 1 hr/day and for 6 days a week for duration of 4 week. At the end of 4th week of training again balance assessment was done using BBS and BESTest. Result Study showed a significant improvement in the Mean Total of both BBS and BESTest score post intervention Conclusion The study concluded that, BBS and BESTest, both showed significant improvement in the balance of Parkinson's patients during their ON period of medication, but BESTest showed more responsiveness to change in balance than BBS. The study also concludes that conventional flexibility and balance training exercises improves balance in Parkinson's patients. Top Keywords Parkinson's, Balance, Berg Balance Scale, Balance Evaluation Systems Test, Balance training, Conventional Flexibility Exercises. Top |