Psychometric Properties of a Modified Balance Evaluation Systems Test

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assist the realization of the postural control systems framework by presenting a short balance evaluation systems test (BESTest) that has a clear classification of items among postural control components to determine the cause of balance problems in older adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 86 older adults with varying degrees of balance disorders performed all the BESTest items. An 11-member expert team participated in the content validity ratio study and item selection, and two evaluators determined the reliability of the scale made. Values of the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Results: The short-BESTest consists of 12 selected items with a cut-off point of 20 out of 36 and a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 75%. The test is moderately accurate at classifying participants with and without fall history. The values of interrater reliability (0.928) and concurrent validity (r=0.926) were high (p