[Cross-cultural adaptation of the scale balance evaluation systems (Mini-BESTest) assessment in patients with stroke]

Objective: The purpose of this study is to adapt cross-culturally to Chilean Spanish the assessment scale "Balance Assessment Systems (Mini-BESTest)" so that it can be applied to patients with stroke. Since stroke is a syndrome that compromises the patient's balance, an essential ability to perform activities of daily living safely, the study of different alternatives to improve the living conditions of patients is considered essential.

Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The process consisted of six stages: direct translation, translation synthesis, back translation, author approval, pre-test, and final consensus. In the pretest, the adapted scale was applied to a sample of stroke patients receiving rehabilitation therapy, who were able to stand up on their own, walk, and follow simple instructions.

Results: The process of cross-cultural adaptation to Chilean Spanish of the Mini-BESTest evaluation scale was satisfactorily completed. Interrater reliability obtained percentages of agreement greater than 92% and all were statistically significant, which suggests an excellent level of agreement. There was a trend for subacute patients to require a greater repetition of the command.

Conclusions: Mini-BESTest shows an excellent level of agreement among physiotherapists. These findings offer the possibility of continuing with the validation process of the scale. It is suggested to repeat the instructions to patients with subacute stroke.