Evidence to Eliminate Double-Leg Conditions From the Modified Balance Error Scoring System and Balance Error Scoring System.

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to assess the differences between the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), modified BESS (mBESS), and both measures with the double-leg (DL) stances removed [BESS-revised (BESS-R) and mBESS-revised (mBESS-R)] among healthy and concussed collegiate student-athletes. Retrospective, repeated-measures cohort study. Clinical. Healthy and concussed collegiate athletes (baseline n = 622, postinjury n = 41) from 12 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I sports cheer and dance at a single university. Balance Error Scoring System, mBESS, BESS-R, and mBESS-R test versions from baseline and postinjury testing. The mBESS and BESS and their revised versions with DL stances removed (mBESS-R and BESS-R) scores were compared at baseline. Baseline and postinjury scores for all 4 BESS variations and the 6 BESS conditions were compared for those who sustained a concussion. The BESS and BESS-R were statistically different at baseline for the entire sample (99.6% confidence interval 0.32, 0.38, P > 0.0001). None of the other comparisons were significantly different ( P > 0.004). Although our results do suggest statistically significant differences between the BESS and BESS-R test versions, they do not represent clinically meaningful differences. The greatest mean difference between all test versions was <1 error; therefore, these BESS versions may not be specific enough to identify balance deficits at baseline or postinjury. Elimination of the time intensive DL measures in the revised BESS variations may be a more clinically practical alternative.