Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Arabic Version of the Mini-BESTest among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Saudi Arabia

Backgrounds: The Mini-BESTest is a clinical assessment of balance impairment; however, the translation and psychometric properties in the Arabic-speaking population have not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to translate into Arabic and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Mini-BESTest in Saudi community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional transcultural adaptation and validation study. A total of 144 community-dwelling older adults were enrolled (mean age = 66.2 +/- 6.2 years). The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Mini-BESTest from English to Arabic was performed using standardized guidelines. Test-retest reliability was examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with one week between test and retest. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity of the Mini-BESTest was assessed using balance such as Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I). Results: The Arabic version of the Mini-BESTest showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93). The scale shows excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.99, 95% CI, 0.98-0.99) and excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.93, 95% CI, 0.70-0.97), which is indicative of the measure's stability and repeatability. Mini-BESTest total scores showed an excellent inter-rater agreement. There was a significant correlation between total score of the Mini-BESTest and BBS (r = 0.72; p < 0.001). Mini-BESTest had a moderate association with FES-I. Conclusion: The Arabic version of the Mini-BESTest is a reliable and valid test for assessing balance in older adults. More research is needed to confirm the test's reliability and validity in a specific population, such as those with neurological problems.

Automated summary

This study translated and evaluated the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Mini-BESTest in a Saudi community-dwelling older adult population. The results showed good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability for the Arabic version of the Mini-BESTest. The total score of the Mini-BESTest was significantly correlated with the Berg Balance Scale.