Abstract
Introduction. Aging and comorbidities affect cognition and the sensorimotor system of individuals. Loss of balance is one of the main causes of falls in older adults, so monitoring their functional performance is important. The balance assessment system identifies risk factors for falls.
Objectives. To identify the psychometric properties of validity and inter-rater reliability and to estimate the optimal cut-off value of the BESTest in order to differentiate between adults who are or are not at risk for falls.
Methods. Observational validity and reliability study involving 221 adults aged 50 to 80 years able to walk, with or without an assistive device, independently for six meters and to perform balance tasks without fatigue. Sociodemographic and clinical data and history of falls were investigated.
Results. A significant correlation was found between the balance system with the confidence in daily activities scale (r= 0, 47, p< 0, 01), an adequate internal consistency for the test in general (Cronbach's alpha of 0, 90), a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 66%. The area under the curve was 0, 76, with acceptable discrimination, i.e., it was established that persons scoring < 80 on the test are at high risk of falling.
Conclusions. The balance system has good psychometric properties that allow its reliable application in the Colombian population. The test contributes to clinical decision making because it discriminates the risk of falling and the functional profile of the adult.
Objectives. To identify the psychometric properties of validity and inter-rater reliability and to estimate the optimal cut-off value of the BESTest in order to differentiate between adults who are or are not at risk for falls.
Methods. Observational validity and reliability study involving 221 adults aged 50 to 80 years able to walk, with or without an assistive device, independently for six meters and to perform balance tasks without fatigue. Sociodemographic and clinical data and history of falls were investigated.
Results. A significant correlation was found between the balance system with the confidence in daily activities scale (r= 0, 47, p< 0, 01), an adequate internal consistency for the test in general (Cronbach's alpha of 0, 90), a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 66%. The area under the curve was 0, 76, with acceptable discrimination, i.e., it was established that persons scoring < 80 on the test are at high risk of falling.
Conclusions. The balance system has good psychometric properties that allow its reliable application in the Colombian population. The test contributes to clinical decision making because it discriminates the risk of falling and the functional profile of the adult.
| Translated title of the contribution | Validation of the BESTestest in a population of older Colombian adults |
|---|---|
| Original language | Spanish (Colombia) |
| Article number | 2 |
| Pages (from-to) | 141-151 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Revista Colombiana de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación |
| Volume | 32 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 1 2022 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
