Human Subjects: Modified Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test Performance

A study with 54 participants assessed the effectiveness of a modified Mini-BESTest for measuring balance impairment in MS, showing an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95 compared to 0.77 for the Single-Leg Stance Test. The modified test demonstrated a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 90%.

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Source: Read original source (PMID 42768999)

This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.

Why it matters

This finding suggests that the modified Mini-BESTest could be a superior tool for evaluating balance impairment related to disability in MS, potentially improving clinical assessment.

What this does not prove

The promising threshold of ≤31/42 is exploratory and requires further external validation before being applied in clinical settings.

Next milestone

No next milestone was established from the available source.

Study facts

Study design: Observational
Participants / samples: 54 · basis not reported
Randomised: Not reported
Controlled: Not reported
Primary endpoint met: Yes
Relevant MS type: Not reported
Publication date: 2026-09-17
Evidence reviewed: Abstract only
Regulatory approval: Not reported
Research areas: Not classified

Original sources

Primary evidenceDiscriminative accuracy of the 42-point modified Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test for identifying Expanded Disability Status Scale-defined disability in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: an exploratory diagnostic accuracy study. ↗DOI: 10.1097/mrr.0000000000000721

Supporting passages (10)

comparatorSingle-Leg Stance Test

sample sizeThis secondary, single-center, cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy analysis used prospectively collected data from 54 ambulatory participants with static or dynamic balance impairment (EDSS = 1.0-6.0).

primary endpoint metThe modified Mini-BESTest showed excellent discrimination and outperformed the SLST.

publication date2026-09-17

study designThis secondary, single-center, cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy analysis used prospectively collected data from 54 ambulatory participants with static or dynamic balance impairment (EDSS = 1.0-6.0).

subjectsThis secondary, single-center, cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy analysis used prospectively collected data from 54 ambulatory participants with static or dynamic balance impairment (EDSS = 1.0-6.0).

intervention42-point modified Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test

primary endpointBalance impairment is common in multiple sclerosis, but the discriminative performance of clinical balance measures for Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)-defined disability remains unclear.

findingsThe modified Mini-BESTest showed an AUC of 0.95 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.90-1.00], exceeding the SLST (0.77, 0.65-0.90; DeLong Z = 3.18, P = 0.002).

limitationsThe less than or equal to 31/42 threshold is exploratory, requires external validation, and must not be applied to the standard 28-point Mini-BESTest.

AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 1 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.