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Sitting Balance Scale
Identify if the individual is sitting in:
Folding chair ______Wheelchair ____ Therapy mat _____Bed ____ Other_____________
1. SITTING UNSUPPORTED (EYES OPEN)
Instructions: Sit with eyes open and arms folded on lap, feet flat on the floor for 60 seconds.
Back must not be leaning into a support surface
( ) 4 Able to sit safely and securely for 60 seconds
( ) 3 Able to sit for 60 seconds but requires supervision
( ) 2 Able to sit for 30 seconds
( ) 1 Able to sit for 10 seconds
( ) 0 Unable to sit unsupported for 10 seconds
2. SITTING UNSUPPORTED WITH EYES CLOSED
Instructions: Sit with eyes closed for 30 seconds, with feet flat on the floor
( ) 4 Able to sit safely and securely for 30 seconds
( ) 3 Able to sit for 30 seconds but requires supervision
( ) 2 Able to sit for 10 seconds
( ) 1 Able to sit for 3 seconds
( ) 0 Unable to sit unsupported for 3 seconds
3. SITTING UNSUPPORTED WITH ARMS AS LEVERS
Instructions: Start with both hands in their lap. Have them cross their arms across their chest.
If they can do this, have them lift the arm of their choice (if hemiplegia use unaffected side) in
front of them to 90 degree shoulder flexion, keeping elbow straight. If they can do this, have
them lift the 2 lb weight. Score accordingly
( ) 4 Able to maintain sit while lifting the 2 lb weight to 90 degrees of shoulder flexion
( ) 3 Able to maintain sit and lift arm up to 90 degrees of shoulder flexion without the weight
( ) 2 Able to maintain sit with arms folded across the chest
( ) 1 Able to maintain sit with hands folded in their lap
( ) 0 Able to sit with hands at side of them on the support surface
4. REACHING FORWARD WITH OUTSTRETCHED ARM WHILE SITTING
Instructions: Have them make a fist and reach forward with extended arm to 90 degrees of
shoulder flexion. Place the ruler at the end of the fist and hold a pen at the 12” level from the
fist. Ask the patient to touch the pen with the knuckles of the fist. Score accordingly
( ) 4 Can reach forward without loss of balance > 10”
( ) 3 Can reach forward without loss of balance >5”
( ) 2 Can reach forward without loss of balance >2”
( ) 1 Reaches forward but needs supervision
( ) 0 Loses balance while trying/requires external support