Article

This study examined the validity of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest)
to identify balance impairments in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) by
evaluating differences in BESTest performance between people with and without MS.
We also assessed the BESTest's validity by correlation with objective measures of
postural performance as well as with disease severity and fall status. Thirteen
subjects with MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale; EDSS: 0-4.5) and 13 matched
subjects without MS were evaluated on the BESTest, asked about fall history, and
assessed by force plates and motion capture as they performed laboratory tasks of
step initiation, forward leaning to the limits of stability, and postural
responses to rotations of the support surface. Compared to subjects without MS,
subjects with MS exhibited lower total BESTest scores (mean (95%) score for
subjects with MS=91 (83-99); subjects without MS=105 (104-107)) as well as
section scores pertaining to mechanical constraints, limits of stability,
anticipatory postural adjustments, and gait. BESTest scores significantly
correlated with objective laboratory measures of step velocity during step
initiation (Pearson r(2)=0.48, P<0.01) as well as center-of-pressure
displacements during both the leaning (Pearson r(2)=0.55, P<0.005) and
postural-response tasks (Pearson r(2)=0.76, P<0.0001). BESTest total scores were
92% accurate to identify fallers and non-fallers, and BESTest scores
significantly correlated with EDSS scores (Spearman's rho=0.85, P<0.0005). Thus,
the BESTest provides a valid clinical assessment of balance impairments in people
with MS.
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Langue : ANGLAIS