Article

Choosing an appropriate outcome measure for the assessment of balance
among people with cerebellar ataxia is currently challenging as no guidelines are
available. There is a need for further investigation with clinical experts in
order to derive a set of standardized outcome measures with high clinical
utility. METHODS: A two-round internet-based Delphi survey was considered. A
steering committee was formed to guide the Delphi process. Neurologists and
physiotherapists with clinical and research experience in cerebellar ataxia were
identified as the expert group. Consensus among the experts for recommendation
was set at 75%. RESULTS: Thirty experts representing 10 countries agreed to
participate. The response rate for the rounds were 87% and 96%, respectively.
Forty-one relevant outcome measures were identified. The Berg Balance Scale
(BBS), the Scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA), the Timed Up and
Go test (TUG) were identified as the best outcome measures for use with at least
75% consensus among the experts. CONCLUSION: The recommended outcome measures
(SARA, BBS and TUG) are available at no cost, require little equipment and are
quick and easy to perform; however, formal psychometric testing of the BBS and
TUG in people with cerebellar ataxia is warranted.

Langue : ANGLAIS