Reliability of the Japanese Version of the Berg Balance Scale

Abstract

Objective The Japanese translation of the Berg balance scale (BBS) has previously been published; however, its reliability has not yet been validated. This study aimed to evaluate its reliability. Methods Patients took the BBS test three times; two neurologists monitored the results. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Cronbach's alpha (α) coefficients were calculated, and the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were determined. Patients Thirty-three patients with balance disturbance were recruited. Results The study participants included 15 men and 18 women with a mean age of 62.8 years (SD, 14.8). For the total BBS score, the inter-rater ICC and Cronbach's α coefficient were 0.9337 and 0.9493, respectively, while the intra-rater ICC and Cronbach's α coefficient were 0.9772 and 0.9416, respectively. Most items had a relatively high ICC. The Cronbach's α coefficients were more than 0.9 for all items. Conclusion The Japanese version of the BBS was found to have a high inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and internal consistency.

Quantitative evaluation of gait ataxia by accelerometers

“…The amplitude time series was defined as (Y1 − Y2)/2, and divided into two parts: signals corresponding to straight walking and to turning around the cone. 4. The average and CV of the amplitude time series were calculated separately for each part, which yielded the desired gait parameters.…”

“…We evaluated the clinical severity of each patient in the SCD group using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) [1, 2] and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) [3,4]. The mean SARA of the SCD group was 13.26±4.43, while the mean Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part III was 18.…”

Do functional mobility tests predict the risk of falls in community-dwelling elderly?

“…Studies point to a Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.62 to 0.98; Sensitivity between 42% and 97%; Specificity between 26% and 92%; Cut point between 45 and 50 points (10,13,30,31,32,33,34,35,30,36,37,38,39) . Despite presenting a high alpha of Cronbach indicating a good internal consistency, as well as a good association between item-factor and the other factors, this does not guarantee a good internal consistency in the measurement of the postural control construct.…”

Comparison of Different Symptom Assessment Scales for Multiple System Atrophy

“…BBS is suitable for the evaluation of MSA because it can assess balance disturbances derived from not only ataxia but also Parkinsonism. Inter-rater reliability of the UMSARS, SARA, and BBS has been studied previously and found sufficiently reliable [12,20,24].…”

“…BBS has a high reliability among neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease [24]. BBS is suitable for the evaluation of MSA because it can assess balance disturbances derived from not only ataxia but also Parkinsonism.…”