Evaluating the reliability and validity of the Icelandic translation of the Mini-BESTest in rehabilitation patients: an international implication for balance assessment

• Published in: Physiotherapy theory and practice 2024-12, Vol.40 (12), p.2925-10
• Main Authors: Gylfadottir, Sif, Arnadottir, Solveig A, Reynisdottir, Selma Margret, Helgadottir, Bjartey, Sigurgeirsson, Andri Thor, Gudjonsdottir, Marta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Disability Evaluation; Female; Humans; Iceland; Inpatient care; Male; Measurement; Measures; Middle Aged; Postural Balance - physiology; Predictive Value of Tests; Psychometrics; Quantitative psychology; Rehabilitation; Reproducibility of Results; Self evaluation; Test-Retest reliability; Translation; Validity
• ISSN: 0959-3985; 1532-5040; 1532-5040
• DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2023.2286635

The Mini-BESTest (Balance Evaluation Systems Test) is a standardized balance evaluation tool. The psychometric properties of the Mini-BESTest are being established around the world. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Icelandic translation of the Mini-BESTest. Thirty rehabilitation inpatients (16/14 women/men), with mixed diagnoses and a range of self-assessed balance, were assessed with the: Mini-BESTest on two occasions; Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale; Berg Balance Scale; Timed Up and Go test; and 10 Meter Walk Test. Statistical analyses included the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), Cronbach's alpha (α), Pearson's r, and the independent -test. Relative reliability demonstrated good test-retest (ICC  = 0.84), intra-rater reliability (ICC  = 0.86), and excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC  = 0.96). Absolute reliability (SEM) was 1.607, and internal consistency (α) was 0.80. Construct validity was supported by a high correlation between the Mini-BESTest and other standardized measures (  =  ±0.6-0.73). The Mini-BESTest discriminated between patients with poor versus good self-rated balance ( ˂ 0.001), with no floor or ceiling effects. The psychometric properties of the Icelandic translation of the Mini-BESTest are comparable with the original version and other translations. These results for this mixed patient group should be relevant to clinicians and researchers internationally.