Reliability of the single leg Romberg stance test compared to the balance error scoring system

Purpose. This study determined the reliability of the single leg Romberg stance test and compared it to the BESS to determine what test is more reliable in the college population.;Problem. Athletic trainers commonly used the Romberg test after a suspected MHI. However, currently there is no reliability value found in literature on the college age population. The BESS test is a clinical test that is recommended over the Romberg test.;Method. A one shot experimental design was used. Twenty-one athletic training students from California University of Pennsylvania volunteered. The instruments used were a demographic sheet, Romberg, and BESS tests.;Findings. The Romberg test was found to be a reliable balance test. A strong negative correlation was found between the two tests.;Conclusion. The Romberg can be used as an on-the-field assessment of balance because it is quick. BESS can be used as a clinical assessment because of equipment used.