Correlation Between the Scores of Common Balance Tests for Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

 One of the neurological challenges of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is balance. Different balance tests are used for this purpose. This study aims to measure the association between the scores of common balance tests for patients with MS. 

 In this descriptive retrospective study, participants were 41 patients with MS (27 females and 14 males) with an expanded disability status scale score of 4.5 or less (Mean= 4.02±0.61). The balance tests including Berg balance test (BBS), functional reach test (FRT), activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) scale, timed up & go (TUG) test, dynamic gait index (DGI), modified Romberg test-open eyes (RMTO), modified Romberg test-closed eyes (RMTC), and dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) were randomly performed in two days with sufficient rest interval between them. Pearson correlation test was used to measure the relationship between their scores. 

 The DGI score had a high and significant correlation with the scores of ABC scale, BBS, and FRT (P<0.001). Also, there was a high and significant correlation between the scores of ABC scale and BBS (P<0.001). The correlation between the scores of BBS and FRT test was also high and significant (P<0.001). 

 The BBS score، as one of the most widely used balance tests in patients with MS and other balance diseases، has a high correlation with the scores of DGI، ABC scale، and FRT. These tests are suggested as supplementary tests for BBS. The findings can help therapists and neurologists to choose valid balance tests at different conditions and levels of MS.