48 Biodex Medical Systems, Inc. © 2017
BESS Test
During a Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) test, balance tasks are performed on both a level
surface and a foam pad. The Balance System SD BESS test is an enhanced version of the more
traditional BESS test. In a traditional BESS test, scoring is time and error based, and subject to
different evaluators’ opinions. With the Balance System SD’s force platform technology, time
and error counting is replaced with an objective quantification of sway. (Errors can be noted but
do not count in scoring.)
As with the m-CTSIB test, information gathered from this test can be used to assist clinicians in
making return-to-play decisions.
NOTE: Typically, the conditions of the BESS test are conducted with eyes closed. Practitioners
should never leave the patient unattended during testing.
Performing a BESS Test
1. Position the support handles and the display height and tilt for patient comfort.
2. At the Main Menu, touch <Testing> and <Sensory Integration>.
3. Touch <BESS>. The Patient Setup information screen is displayed. If this is a new patient and
the training session is to be saved after its completion, the patient’s name and height must
be entered. If the training session does not need to be saved, designate a height value,
which is correlated to the software’s scoring algorithm based on the calculated Center of
Gravity.
4. Touch <Test Options> to advance to the BESS Testing Options screen if desired.
• Here the test trial time can be set, the sensory conditions to be tested can be selected,
the number of trials can be entered, and the rest countdown time (i.e., the time between
trials) can be entered.
• Use the <▲> or <▼> keys to set the total Test Trial Time in five-second increments
down to a minimum of ten seconds. During the test the system will count down from the
time setting selected.
• To select what sensory conditions should be included in the test, touch the checkboxes
next to the desired conditions. All six conditions will be selected by default.
• To set the Number of Trials or Rest Countdown, touch the appropriate key and enter the
setting from the displayed keypad.
• To display either the cursor or tracing biofeedback during the test, touch the
checkboxes next to the options.
• To have the patient record their foot position for the test, touch the checkbox next to
Record Foot Position.
• To manually note errors during each session (e.g., the patient grabs hold of the device
handrails), touch the checkbox next to Error Scoring.
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