The BESS test consists of three stance conditions (double-leg, single-leg, and tandem stance) performed on two different surfaces (firm and foam). Each stance is held for 20 seconds while the examiner counts the total number of errors. Errors include lifting hands off the iliac crests, opening eyes, stepping or stumbling, moving the hip into more than 30 degrees of flexion or abduction, lifting the forefoot or heel, and remaining out of the test position for more than five seconds.
