Validation of the Icelandic version of the Mini-BESTest: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) is a comprehensive balance assessment tool which can help clinicians identify the underlying systems contributing to their clients’ balance deficits as well as determining their overall balance function. Its administration was thought to be too time consuming, so in 2010, a shortened form, the Mini-BESTest (MBT), was created. The MBT was recently translated into Icelandic, but the psychometric properties of the Icelandic version have yet to be determined. Aim: To assess the concurrent validity of the Icelandic version of the MBT by correlating it with other common standardized tests, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed-Up and Go (TUG), the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC), and the 10-meter walk test (10MWT).Methods: In this cross-sectional study participants were a convenience sample of thirty patients who were admitted to a rehabilitation program at Reykjalundur Rehabilitation Center. Participants with various complications and a wide range of balance function were evaluated using the MBT, the BBS, the TUG, the 10MWT, and the ABC, in two separate sessions. Correlation between the MBT and the other tests was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The Icelandic version of the MBT showed high correlation with the BBS and the TUG (r = 0.72 and -0.70, p = <0.001, respectively), and moderate correlation with the 10MWT and the ABC (r = 0.61 and 0.53, p = <0.001 and 0.002, respectively).Conclusions: In accordance with similar studies, the Icelandic version of the MBT showed moderate to high correlation with other widely used balance assessment tools. These results indicate that the Icelandic version is valid and can be used confidently in clinic for the assessment of balance.