Reliability and Validity of Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Peripheral...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Physical Therapy
• Diabetology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) significantly impairs balance during static, dynamic, and functional activities.
• The Mini-BESTest is a validated tool for rapid balance assessment, but its utility in DPN has not been established.
• Accurate assessment of balance deficits is crucial for managing DPN complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability and discriminant validity of the Mini-BESTest in individuals with type 2 DPN.
• To compare Mini-BESTest scores between DPN patients with varying neuropathy severity, as indicated by the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study included 44 type 2 diabetic patients diagnosed with DPN via physical assessment (MNSI).
• Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the Mini-BESTest were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).
• Discriminant validity was examined by comparing Mini-BESTest scores between two groups based on MNSI scores (<4 and ≥4).

Main Results:

• The Mini-BESTest demonstrated excellent inter-rater (ICC=0.95) and intra-rater (ICC=0.93) reliability.
• Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha=0.73), with a Minimum Detectable Change (MDC) of 2.16.
• Patients with lower MNSI scores (<4) exhibited significantly higher Mini-BESTest scores, indicating better balance.

Conclusions:

• The Mini-BESTest is a highly reliable and valid instrument for assessing balance in patients with type 2 DPN.
• Its ability to discriminate between neuropathy severities supports its clinical utility in managing DPN-related balance impairments.