Reliability, Validity, and Responsiveness of the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test in Ambulatory Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (MBT) in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Method: A total of 32 pwMS completed a questionnaire on disease severity, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), and the MBT. The MBT was re-administered 1 week later. Results: The interrater and test-retest reliability of the total MBT and subscales were excellent. The standard error of measurement for the total MBT, calculated from test-retest and interrater reliability, respectively, was 1.32 and 1.07. The minimal detectable change (MDC) for the total MBT was 3.74; the MDC for the subscales ranged from 0.98 (sensory) to 2.38 (gait). The correlations between individual subscale scores and the total MBT, among subscales, and between the total MBT and disease severity and ABC were excellent. Correlations between the total MBT and age, MS type, and fall and imbalance histories were moderate. Disease severity and ABC scores were the strongest predictors of MBT score. No floor effects were found. Ceiling effects were found for two subscales, but not for the total MBT. Conclusions: The MBT is reliable and valid in pwMS. MDC values will facilitate assessing the effectiveness of treatment. Because ceiling effects were found for two subscales, but not the total MBT, it is recommended that clinicians administer the MBT in its entirety.