European Portuguese version of the Mini-BESTest: a cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric measurements in individuals with sensorimotor impairments

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Mini-BESTest into European Portuguese and to evaluate its psychometric properties in individuals with sensorimotor impairments. Material and Methods A cross-sectional cross-cultural adaptation and validation study was conducted according to the COSMIN guidelines and the STROBE statement. The study included 100 participants with sensorimotor impairments who were able to walk 6 m. Cronbach’s alpha and item-total correlations were used to assess internal consistency. Interpretability was assessed by examining floor and ceiling effects and skewness. To investigate construct validity, Spearman correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analysis were performed to compare the Berg Balance Scale and the Mini-BESTest Inter- and intra-rater reliability were assessed by calculating the ICC, SEM and MDC based on video recordings of the participants during the Mini-BESTest assessments. Results The European Portuguese Mini-BESTest showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.892) and no significant floor or ceiling effects. Excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.97) were also demonstrated, with MDC of 2.58 and 2.57, respectively. Furthermore, this instrument showed a significant correlation with the BBS (r = 0.902). Bland-Altman analysis showed small absolute differences. Conclusion The European Portuguese Mini-BESTest is comparable to the original English version in terms of validity and reliability and is therefore highly recommended for use by Portuguese-speaking professionals to assess postural control.