Transcultural adaptation to the Spanish language of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) in older adults

Introduction. The risk of falls in older adults increases because of the decrease in strength, flexibility, balance and sensory changes affecting functionality and quality of life. For this reason, an integral system of evaluation of equilibrium is necessary, for preventive purposes or for early therapeutic interventions. Aim. To present the results of the transcultural translation and adaptation process of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) to Spanish language. Subjects and methods. The original version of the BESTest was translated into Spanish, following the process of retrotraduction and cultural adaptation considering the semantic, idiomatic, conceptual and experiential equivalences. Subsequently the version was reviewed by a panel of experts qualifying clarity, coherence, relevance and sufficiency. The pilot test included 32 adults between 50 and 80 years old. Results. It was possible to carry out the complete translation of the instrument, the instructions for the subject and for the evaluator. Most items of the test reached the maximum score of 4.0 (100%), nine items achieved an average score of 3.9 (99%), one item got an average score of 3.8 (95%) and two items achieved an average score of 3.7 (92.5%). Conclusions. With this study the Spanish speakers community has a pertinent sufficient, coherent and clear instrument in order to identify the control postural system altered to focus treatment and to get better functional outcomes from balance evaluation in older adults.