Objective: The aim of the study was to assess reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) which had been translated to the Turkish language and made transcultural adaptation.

Materials and Methods: In this study, we included stroke patients who past the 3-week acute post-stroke period and were planned for rehabilitation. Exclusion criteria included having no ability of understanding the commands and presence of major perceptual and cognitive disorders. The patients were assessed on admission and three months after discharge. Beside BBS scores, Functional Independence Measure-motor scores (FIM-MS), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) scores and Brunnsrom recovery stages were evaluated. Internal consistency in reliability study was assessed using Cronbach-α, convergent validity study was assessed by estimation of Spearman correlation coefficient of FIM-MS and RMI scores. Responsiveness was detected by assessing the effect size, and counting the standardized response mean.

Results: Sixty-four patients (34 female, 30 male) with a mean age of 63.6±10.46 years were included. Duration of stroke was 35.9±16.4 days. The right side was affected in 34 patients (53%), and the left side in 30 patients (47%). There were significant improvements in all parameters at three month follow-up compared to admission period (p<0.0001). In reliability study, Cronbach-α for total BBS was found to be 0.96. In correlation for validation study, there was positive correlations between BBS and FIM-MS (r=0.69, p<0.0001), and BBS and RMI (r=077, p<0.0001). Since the effect size of BBS was found to be 1.90, and standardized response mean value was found to be 1.85, the BBS was found to have a good level of responsiveness.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the Turkish version of the BBS is valid, reliable, and responsive in stroke patients in the three month acute post-stroke period.