Better Balance Assessment Platform

Balance assessment screening programs are an essential component of a comprehensive balance practice. Create a clear pathway to medical necessity for VNG studies using the Better Balance assessment platform to assess falls risk.

The Better Balance Analyzer platform removes subjectivity from your balance evaluations for verifiable and consistent results.

Clinical balance assessment can help assess fall risk and determine the underlying reasons for balance disorders. Body sway measured by a force plate such as our Better Balance Analyzer platform has long been established as the gold standard for balance assessment.

 

Evaluate falls risk, plus each phase of the vestibular system, with the Better Balance Analyzer (BBA) platform

Every patient over the age of 60 should have an annual Falls Risk Assessment (FRA). Results of the FRA should be included in the patient's file for future reference.

To begin the Balance Assessment screening, evaluate the balance of each patient by administering a computerized objective balance test. The results of the test will identify the patient's fall risk as low, moderate or high risk.

The Falls Risk Assessment (FRA) is the standard protocol of the Better Balance Analyzer platform (BBA). The balance assessment result is equal to the average Center of Pressure (COP) path length derived from three 20-second testing intervals. The FRA is based on a balance assessment of average adults aged 20-39 years and calculates the number of standard deviations to create a normative database. Percentile rankings for age and gender are derived from the BBA normative database, which includes 20,000 + results from individuals aged 5 - 100+ years.

 

Falls Risk assessments (FRA) results are rated as:

Low Risk of Falls - No further testing is necessary at this time. FRA results should be included in patient files for future comparisons.

Moderate Risk of Falls - If the patient’s FRA results are in the moderate category, they should be further evaluated by the physician to determine if further testing is warranted. Further tests may include:

--Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (CTSIB) using the balance assessment platform;

--And/or the balance evaluation questionnaire.*

No further cause of action may be required at this time.

High Risk of Falls - If the patient balance assessment platform results indicate a high risk of falls, the patient should complete an additional test, the Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (CTSIB) with the Batter Balance Analyzer platform. CTSIB tests the four phases of the vestibular system using firm and perturbed (foam pad) surface with eyes open and then eyes closed.

Following the CTSIB test, the patient should complete the balance evaluation questionnaire.*

After completing the FRA, CTSIB evaluation and balance evaluation questionnaire, the physician evaluates the results, in addition to existing patient history to determine if further testing is warranted. Additional tests may include videonystagmography (VNG), MRI or CT scans. The physician has enough data from these tests to determine medical necessity and make an informed decision to improve their patient's FRA or dizziness symptoms.

 

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The CTSIB evaluation consists of:

Test and evaluate each phase of the vestibular system with the Better Balance Analyzer (BBA) platform’s Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (CTSIB). The Better Balance Analyzer CTSIB tests the four phases of the vestibular system.

 

The four phases of the vestibular system:

--Eyes open on firm surface: tests the visual, vestibular and proprioceptive inputs

--Eyes closed on a firm surface: tests the vestibular and proprioceptive inputs

--Eyes open on a perturbed (foam) surface: tests the visual and vestibular inputs

--Eyes closed on a perturbed surface: tests the vestibular inputs only

 

 

*What is the balance evaluation questionnaire? The questionnaire asks for medications, current dizziness symptoms, head injury history, current medical conditions, plus asks various questions looking for any complicating factors that could affect the patient's FRA results. These 20 questions are critical in the physician's overall assessment of the patient's FRA, plus helps in determining further tests or what if any further action is warranted.

 

 

Balance Assessment and Measurement

--Excellent tool to evaluate fall risk

--Evaluate every patient over age 60 as part of a comprehensive falls prevention program

--Useful for community screening assessments in senior centers, nursing home facilities, hospitals and more

--Quick, easy test that only takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete

--Age-specific normative ranking

--Printable reports for CPT billing

--Posture and weight distribution information

--Lighter weight and easily portable with built in handle

--Cost effective, affordable pricing

--Optional notebook computer available

--Financing or Visa/Mastercard are accepted