Background

The mini-BESTest assesses several underlying physiological systems (anticipatory, reactive postural control, sensory orientation and dynamic gait) for balance control that may contribute to balance deficits in adults. There is a lack of studies exploring test-retest reliability of the mini-BESTest in large samples of people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives

To investigate test-retest reliability of the mini-BESTest total and section sum scores, and individual items, in people with mild to moderate overall MS disability.

Methods

Fifty-four people with mild to moderate overall MS-disability according to the Expanded Disability Status scale (EDSS) were included, 28 in the mild subgroup (EDSS 2.0–3.5) and 26 in the moderate subgroup (EDSS 4.0–5.5). Test-retest reliability of the mini-BESTest was evaluated by repeated measurements one week apart in a movement laboratory setting. The analysis was based on evaluation of test-retest reliability and measurement error.

Results

Test-retest reliability for the mini-BESTest total scores were considered good to excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficients of .88 for the whole sample and .83 in mild MS and .80 in moderate MS subgroups. Measurement errors were small with a standard error of measurement and smallest detectable change of 1.3 and 3.5, respectively, in mild MS and of 1.7 and 4.7 in moderate MS. The limits of agreement were -3.4 and 4.6. Test-retest reliability for the section scores were fair to good, or excellent; weighted kappa values ranged from .62 to .83. All items but one showed fair to good or excellent test-retest reliability, percentage agreement ranged from 61% to 100%.

Conclusions

The mini-BESTest demonstrated good to excellent test-retest reliability and small measurement errors and is recommended for use in people with mild to moderate MS in both research and clinical settings.

The mini-BESTest should be used in its entirety. The sections included in the test may be used to determine more precisely which of the underlying systems that are affected, even if the sensory orientation and reactive postural control sections should be interpreted cautiously.

Knowledge of limits of agreement and smallest detectable change contribute to interpretability of the mini-BESTest total score, which enhance the clinical usefulness for evaluation of balance control and, further, for designing of individually customized balance training with high precision and accuracy in people with MS.

Background

The mini-BESTest assesses several underlying physiological systems (anticipatory, reactive postural control, sensory orientation and dynamic gait) for balance control that may contribute to balance deficits in adults. There is a lack of studies exploring test-retest reliability of the mini-BESTest in large samples of people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives

To investigate test-retest reliability of the mini-BESTest total and section sum scores, and individual items, in people with mild to moderate overall MS disability.

Methods

Fifty-four people with mild to moderate overall MS-disability according to the Expanded Disability Status scale (EDSS) were included, 28 in the mild subgroup (EDSS 2.0–3.5) and 26 in the moderate subgroup (EDSS 4.0–5.5). Test-retest reliability of the mini-BESTest was evaluated by repeated measurements one week apart in a movement laboratory setting. The analysis was based on evaluation of test-retest reliability and measurement error.

Results

Test-retest reliability for the mini-BESTest total scores were considered good to excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficients of .88 for the whole sample and .83 in mild MS and .80 in moderate MS subgroups. Measurement errors were small with a standard error of measurement and smallest detectable change of 1.3 and 3.5, respectively, in mild MS and of 1.7 and 4.7 in moderate MS. The limits of agreement were -3.4 and 4.6. Test-retest reliability for the section scores were fair to good, or excellent; weighted kappa values ranged from .62 to .83. All items but one showed fair to good or excellent test-retest reliability, percentage agreement ranged from 61% to 100%.

Conclusions

The mini-BESTest demonstrated good to excellent test-retest reliability and small measurement errors and is recommended for use in people with mild to moderate MS in both research and clinical settings.

The mini-BESTest should be used in its entirety. The sections included in the test may be used to determine more precisely which of the underlying systems that are affected, even if the sensory orientation and reactive postural control sections should be interpreted cautiously.

Knowledge of limits of agreement and smallest detectable change contribute to interpretability of the mini-BESTest total score, which enhance the clinical usefulness for evaluation of balance control and, further, for designing of individually customized balance training with high precision and accuracy in people with MS.