Validity of the Mini‐BESTest in adults with myotonic dystrophy type 1. Issue 1 (3rd May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duchesne, Elise; Hébert, Luc J.; Mathieu, Jean; Côté, Isabelle; Roussel, Marie‐Pier; Gagnon, Cynthia
• Is Part Of: Muscle & nerve. Volume 62:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 95
• Page End: 102
• Publication Date: 2020-05-03
• Subjects: Balance -- DM1 -- myotonic dystrophy -- risk of fall -- validity; Neuromuscular diseases -- Periodicals; Muscles -- Periodicals; Nerves -- Periodicals; 616.74
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.26893
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-639X

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic neuromuscular disease that causes balance problems. The objective of this study was to assess the construct validity of the Mini‐BESTest among adults with DM1. Methods: Fifty‐nine individuals with late‐onset or adult phenotypes of DM1 were recruited. Participants performed the Mini‐BESTest, 10‐Meter Walk Test (10mWT), 6‐Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and Timed Up & Go (TUG) and were questioned on their tendency to lose balance and whether they fell in the past month. Results: Scores on the Mini‐BESTest were significantly different between phenotypes and CTG repeat numbers ( P < .02). Significant correlations were found with the 10mWT, 6MWT, and the TUG ( r = 0.77–0.84; P < .001). A cutoff score of 21.5 was found to identify fallers with 90% posttest accuracy. Discussion: The Mini‐BESTest demonstrates evidence of construct validity when assessing balance in the DM1 population.