Validation of the BESTest for Measuring Balance in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Evaluation of balance disorders is necessary for treatment and rehabilitation. The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) has been shown to distinguish between different neurological populations. So far, no study has examined the validity of the subsystems of this test in comparison with objective evaluation.

This study aimed to investigate the validity of the BESTest in measuring balance through using the force plate in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

In this cross-sectional study, BESTest was performed. Then, objective measures of balance, including anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) and sensory orientation were assessed using a force plate. Moreover, we calculated the sway, velocity, and area of sway outcomes.

This study included 17 MS patients (42.64 ± 7.8 years old; score 1 - 5 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale) and 17 healthy controls (42.33 ± 8.65 years old). All the BESTest subsystems, except subsystem stability limits/verticality, showed a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.005). Significant correlations were found between the BESTest scores with anterior-posterior and medio-lateral sway, sway velocity in anterior-posterior direction, and the area of displacement in anterior-posterior direction (P < 0.005).

The results of this study showed a good correlation between BESTest test and objective tests. Also, according to the correlation between each subsystem and the information extracted from the force plate, the subsystems had a good sensitivity for measuring balance disorders.