Abstract

Background: To evaluate aspects of validity and feasibility of the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), for use in a specialized rehabilitation facility on a regular basis.
Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Methods: A total of 29 physiotherapists (PT) tested 38 male and 21 female patients 20-76 years of age with spinal cord injury (n=20), traumatic brain injury (n=17), acquired brain injury (n=9), multiple trauma (n=6) and other neurological diagnosis (n=7). Dynamic balance was assessed with the Mini- BESTest. Fall history, fear of falling (single-item question), fall concerns (FES-I) and PT's evaluation of the Mini-BESTtest were surveyed by structured questionnaires. Pearson's correlation coefficient (Pearson's r) was used to determine the correlation between the total score for the Mini-BESTest and the total score for the FES-I.
Results: The median score on the Mini-BESTest was 22 (1-28) points. There were no differences in Mini- BESTest score between fallers and non-fallers, between subjects with high or low fall concerns or between diagnostic groups. Patients with independent walking had a significantly better dynamic balance than those in need of assistance. The correlation between dynamic balance and fall concerns was low (r=- 0.388). The PTs experienced that the MiniBESTest was feasible for use in the rehabilitation setting. However, two testers should be present when testing patients with severe physical and /or cognitive impairments and the results should be supplemented with fall history, fall-related concerns, diagnosisspecific information, and data on activity limitations and participation restrictions.
Conclusion: The Mini-BESTest proved to be a feasible clinical tool for assessing dynamic balance in specialized neurological rehabilitation with some precautions. The results apply primarily for patients with moderately impaired balance control.