The Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CB&MS)

The Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CB&M) was developed to evaluate the balance and mobility of patients who may be ambulatory, yet still have balance deficits that affect their engagement in the community. This test can be beneficial for patients that have reached a ceiling effect on other objective measures, such as the Berg Balance Test and Timed Up and Go, due to the challenging nature of the tasks. The purpose of the CB&M is not to indicate a need for a gait aid, falls risk, or discharge placement, but to reflect the balance and mobility skills necessary for full participation in the community.

Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CB&MS)

Intended Population

The CB&M is intended for assessing the balance and mobility of higher functioning ambulatory individuals with ABI, including children and adolescents. Other populations that have been validated for its use include patients with stroke or cerebral palsy, and older adults. This test may be especially useful for individuals who are in the process of returning to living in the community.

Method of Use

Test Setting & Equipment Required

The CB&M is completed using a set 8-meter measured track and a full flight of stairs is required. This test requires approximately 20-30 minutes to administer. It is recommended that the assessor instructs the patient verbally as well as demonstrates all of the items to ensure proper understanding.

Other materials include:

Stopwatch
Laundry basket or large rigid box of the same dimensions
2 lb. and 7.5 lb. weights
A visual target (a paper circle 20 cm in diameter with a 5 cm black circle in the middle)
A bean bag

Scoring

The CB&M is comprised of 13 items, and 6 of the tasks are to be performed bilaterally. Scoring is based on a scale of 0 to 5, with a score of 0 reflecting complete inability to perform the task and a score of 5 reflecting the most successful completion of the task possible. CB&M scores range from 0 to 96, and items are scored upon completion of the first trial of an item. The only exceptions are if it is clear that the individual did not understand the task, in which case re-instruction and a second trial are allowed. Items are to be completed without use of a gait aid, with exception for #12, although orthoses are allowed to be word. If the patient is unable to complete the task or the therapist deems the task would not be safe for the patient to complete, a score of zero should be recorded.