The following is a summary of “Agreement Between Face-to-Face and Tele-Assessment of Balance Tests in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis,” published in the July 2024 issue of Neurology by Erekdag et al.

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to assess the past reliability of balance tests administered using a tele-assessment method in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

They were evaluated both online and face-to-face, with assessments conducted in synchrony by two physiotherapists. Randomization determined the initial assessment method, employing the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and Timed Up and Go (TUG). A three-day interval separated the assessment approaches, utilizing online platforms for tele-assessment. The analysis involved intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), limits of agreement, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient to assess agreement and correlation between face-to-face and tele-assessments.

The results showed that 39 individuals with MS had an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 3.03 ± 1.41. Intra-rater reliability of the tele-assessment was excellent, ICC_BBS=0.96; ICC_DGI =0.97; ICC_TUG=0.97). Very high correlations (r values) were observed in all BBS, DGI, and TUG measurements between face-to-face and tele-assessment methods according to the first and second assessors (r_BBS1=0.92; r_BBS2=0.93; r_DGI1=0.94; r_DGI2=0.95; r_TUG1=0.94; r_TUG2=0.95, respectively). The inter-rater reliability of tele-assessments (ICC_BBS=0.97; ICC_DGI=0.97; ICC_TUG=1.00) achieved reliability.

Investigators concluded that the BBS, DGI, and TUG tests were reliable and yielded comparable data in both tele-assessment and face-to-face administration for patients with MS.

Source: msard-journal.com/article/S2211-0348(24)00343-2/abstract#%20