Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Berg Balance Scale in People with Lower Amputations

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 MSc, Motor Behavior, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Motor Behavior, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and Aims: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Berg balance scale instrument in Tehran's people lower limb amputations.
 Materials and Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 83 individuals (38 athlete and 45 non-athlete amputees) (age: 38±5 years) with lower limb amputation who were selected using convenience sampling based on inclusion criteria. The instruments of the present study were Berg balance test, artificial intelligence (mobility section) questionnaire, two-minute walk test, L functional mobility test, and digital scales to determine body mass index. For data analysis, we used Cronbach's alpha, intra-class correlation coefficient, Pearson correlation, and independent test. 
Results: Internal consistency was obtained for Berg  balance scale (α = 0/89) and Cronbach's alpha variability in Berg balance subscales (0/73 to 0/76). The Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was greater than 90% for all substructures. Also, the Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for evaluating intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability was greater than %90 for all leaf balance subscales. Content Validity Index (CVI) was evaluated to be  0/94. Correlation coefficients related to the reliability of the Berg balance test constructs with each of the artificial limb assessment tests (r = 0/57), two-minute walking test (r = -0/25), functional mobility test (r=-0/48), and activity specific balance test (r = 0/59) were found. Independent test-retest results showed that the Berg balance test between athlete and non-athlete lower limb amputation had a discriminant validity (p < 0/05).
Conclusion: Given the validity and reliability of the Berg balance test, this instrument can be used to evaluate lower amputee individuals in Tehran.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume 9, Issue 4
January 2021
Pages 183-195

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 September 2019
  • Revise Date: 20 December 2019
  • Accept Date: 25 March 2020
  • First Publish Date: 21 December 2020

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