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Balance Tests vs Lab Measures in MS: What Really Matters
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Researchers examined 30 individuals with multiple sclerosis, each averaging a disability level of about 3 on the EDSS scale. They compared everyday clinic balance tools—such as the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG)—with sophisticated laboratory data from gait analysis, force plates, and 3‑D motion capture.
Lab Measures
| Metric | What It Captures |
|---|---|
| Margin of Stability (MoS) | Distance the body stays within its base of support |
| Whole‑Body Angular Momentum (WBAM) | Twisting motion of the entire body |
| Center of Pressure (CoP) | Shifts in pressure under the feet |
Key Findings
- Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
- Strongest link to lab data: correlation ≈ 0.76 with CoP readings.
- Indicates that a good BBS score reflects stable foot‑pressure patterns in the lab.
- Timed Up and Go (TUG)
- Higher MoS values correlate with poorer TUG performance, suggesting cautious walking rather than true balance strength.
WBAM in the side‑to‑side direction correlates strongly with TUG scores (≈ 0.67), highlighting side swings during walking as a critical factor.
- Overall Insight
- BBS best reflects static lab balance.
- TUG captures a blend of static and dynamic aspects.
Practical Takeaway
Clinicians can now align their choice of balance tests with the specific dimensions they wish to assess:
| Goal | Recommended Test |
|---|---|
| Evaluate static balance stability | Berg Balance Scale (BBS) |
| Gauge dynamic walking and compensatory strategies | Timed Up and Go (TUG) |
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