Which clinical tests assess dynamic balance during turning and obstacle negotiation?

• A. Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go.
• B. Romberg test.
• C. Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI); FGA includes turning and obstacle navigation tasks.
• D. Five Times Sit-to-Stand.

Answer: (C)

Dynamic balance during turning and obstacle negotiation requires tests that challenge you to maintain stability while you change direction and navigate around objects in real time. The Functional Gait Assessment and Dynamic Gait Index are built for this, because they include tasks that specifically involve turning and navigating obstacles as part of the gait assessment. The FGA, in particular, incorporates turning and obstacle navigation as integral components, while the DGI emphasizes dynamic tasks like changing speed and negotiating obstacles during walking.

Other tests don’t target these dynamic gait challenges as directly. The Romberg test measures static balance with eyes closed and is not about moving or turning. Five Times Sit-to-Stand mainly assesses lower-limb strength and the ability to rise from a chair, not walking with turns or obstacle negotiation. The Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go can reflect general balance and mobility, but they don’t focus as explicitly on the dynamic demands of turning and obstacle negotiation during gait as the FGA and DGI do.