TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2016//
TI  - The diagnostic accuracy of the Berg balance scale in predicting falls
JO  - Western journal of nursing research
A1  - Park, Seong-Hi
A1  - Lee, Young-Shin
SP  - 1502
EP  - 1525
VL  - 39
IS  - 11
N2  - This study aimed to evaluate the predictive validity of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) as a screening tool for fall risks among those with varied levels of balance. A total of 21 studies reporting predictive validity of the BBS of fall risk were meta-analyzed. With regard to the overall predictive validity of the BBS, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.72 and 0.73, respectively; the accuracy curve area was 0.84. The findings showed statistical heterogeneity among studies. Among the sub-groups, the age group of those younger than 65 years, those with neuromuscular disease, those with 2+ falls, and those with a cutoff point of 45 to 49 showed better sensitivity with statistically less heterogeneity. The empirical evidence indicates that the BBS is a suitable tool to screen for the risk of falls and shows good predictability when used with the appropriate criteria and applied to those with neuromuscular disease.<br><br>© The Author(s) 2016.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0193-9459
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0193945916670894
ID  - ref1
ER  -