Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Berg Balance Scale in People with Lower Amputations

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Berg balance scale instrument in Tehran's people lower limb amputations.  

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 83 individuals (38 athlete and 45 non-athlete amputees) (age: 38±5 years) with lower limb amputation who were selected using convenience sampling based on inclusion criteria. The instruments of the present study were Berg balance test, artificial intelligence (mobility section) questionnaire, two-minute walk test, L functional mobility test, and digital scales to determine body mass index. For data analysis, we used Cronbach's alpha, intra-class correlation coefficient, Pearson correlation, and independent test. 

Internal consistency was obtained for Berg  balance scale (α = 0/89) and Cronbach's alpha variability in Berg balance subscales (0/73 to 0/76). The Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was greater than 90% for all substructures. Also, the Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for evaluating intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability was greater than %90 for all leaf balance subscales. Content Validity Index (CVI) was evaluated to be  0/94. Correlation coefficients related to the reliability of the Berg balance test constructs with each of the artificial limb assessment tests (r = 0/57), two-minute walking test (r = -0/25), functional mobility test (r=-0/48), and activity specific balance test (r = 0/59) were found. Independent test-retest results showed that the Berg balance test between athlete and non-athlete lower limb amputation had a discriminant validity (p < 0/05).

Given the validity and reliability of the Berg balance test, this instrument can be used to evaluate lower amputee individuals in Tehran.