Construct Validity of Functional Balance Scale in Stroke Inpatients

The purpose of this study was to assess the construct validity of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in stroke inpatients. We measured the BBS score of 46 stroke patients, and simultaneously assessed the following neurological conditions: attention, mental status, emotion, agnosia, visual perception, sensation and motor status of the affected lower extremity. We also assessed functional independence in the basic activities of daily living using the Barthel Index. Patients’ functional walking abilities were categorized into 4 levels (from with assistance to independent within hospital). The mean BBS scores were associated with attentional deficits, emotional distress, proprioceptive sensation problems and motor status. These neurological conditions explained 43% of the BBS scores. The BBS scores correlated with the Barthel Index and were associated with functional walking ability. The BBS scores and walking ability explained 67% of the Barthel Index. 83% of patients scoring above a score of 40 were independent within hospital in functional walking ability. These results provide information to support construct validity of the BBS in stroke inpatients.