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Beam Walk Balance Test

The Beam Walk Balance Test is a test of whole body balance. The participants are required to walk the length of the beam and back within 30 seconds.

purpose: To assess active balance, through the ability to balance while walking along an elevated beam.



equipment required: A slightly elevated beam or curb, approximately 4 inches wide and 20 feet long, stopwatch

pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. Perform an appropriate warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.

balance beam test balance beam test

procedure: The participant has 30 seconds to walk the entire length of the beam and back. The participant will start at one end, step up onto the beam, walk the length to the other end, make a 180 degree turn and return back to the starting point. One fall off the beam will be allowed. If the applicant’s feet touch the ground before they touch or cross the finish line, this constitutes a fall. Once the participant has stepped up onto the beam, they may not step off for any reason until the test is completed.

Scoring: Participants may be given two attempts to complete the beam walk. This is a pass / fail test.



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