Fitness Testing

Modified Bass Test of Dynamic Balance

purpose: to measure dynamic balance
equipment required: adequate floor space, sticky tape for marking floor, measuring tape, stopwatch.
description / procedure: The procedure described here is for the Modified Bass Test of Dynamic Balance test. The course is marked out as illustrated in the diagram to the right. The subject begins by standing stationary on the right foot on the starting point square. The subject then hops to the first tape mark with the left foot and immediately holds a static position for five seconds. After this time, he then hops to the second tape mark with the right food and holds a static position for another five seconds. This continues with alternate foot hopping and holding a static position for five seconds at each point until the course is completed. At each point, the sole of the foot must completely cover each tape mark so that it cannot be seen. A period of practice with the procedure and on the course should be allowed.

scoring: the result is recorded as either a success or fail. A successful performance consists of hopping to each tape mark without touching the floor with the heel or any other part of the body, and holding a static position on each tape mark for five seconds without exposing the tape mark.

advantages: simple test to perform with limited and inexpensive equipment
disadvantages: 1. time consuming if the test needs to be performed on a large group. 2. there is no grading in scoring method, so a range of balance abilities cannot be determined.