The measurement of standing balance after stroke

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Abstract
Standing balance is defined as ‘the ability to stand and move in an upright position’ (Hill, Vandervoort and Kramer, 1990). Following a stroke, this skill is often impaired and physiotherapy interventions aimed at improving balance may be required. Effective approaches for clinical measurement of standing balance are yet to be developed. This paper provides therapists with a review of the commonly used measurement tools (both simple and sophisticated) and discusses the relative advantages and disadvantages of each. Therapists need to be aware of such measures in order to identify balance deficits and to evaluate the effectiveness of their intervention. It is concluded that further research into the reliability and validity of simple, relevant clinical measures of standing balance, such as the 10-metre walking test, is required.