RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) to Arabic (Mini-BESTest-Ar) and evaluate its psychometric properties in patients with neurological balance disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The translation and adaptation followed the established guidelines. Validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC95), and limits of agreement (LOA) were examined in 56 patients. The sensitivity was investigated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: The Mini-BESTest-Ar significantly correlated with the Berg balance scale (BBS) (r = 0.80; p < 0.001) and dynamic gait index (DGI) (rho = 0.75; p < 0.001). All domains showed moderate to very good correlations with BBS (r = 0.62-0.81; p < 0.001) and fair to very good correlations with DGI (rho = 0.4 -0.79; p < 0.05). The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the total score and all domains were excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.96-0.81, ICC = 0.95-0.81, and r = 0.92-0.68). The SEM, MDC95, and MDC% for total score and domains were 1.19-0.31, 3.29-0.86 points, and 16.5%-66.8% respectively. The LOA revealed no systematic error. A cut-off point of 21.5/28 (Area under the curve = 0.85, sensitivity = 75%, specificity = 75%) was specified. CONCLUSIONS: The Mini-BESTest-Ar has appropriate psychometric properties supporting its usefulness for research and clinical purposes.
