Balance outcome measures in cerebellar ataxia: a Delphi survey.
OBJECTIVE
Choosing an appropriate outcome measure for the assessment of balance among people with cerebellar ataxia is currently challenging as no guidelines are available. There is a need for further investigation with clinical experts in order to derive a set of standardized outcome measures with high clinical utility.


METHODS
A two-round internet-based Delphi survey was considered. A steering committee was formed to guide the Delphi process. Neurologists and physiotherapists with clinical and research experience in cerebellar ataxia were identified as the expert group. Consensus among the experts for recommendation was set at 75%.


RESULTS
Thirty experts representing 10 countries agreed to participate. The response rate for the rounds were 87% and 96%, respectively. Forty-one relevant outcome measures were identified. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were identified as the best outcome measures for use with at least 75% consensus among the experts.


CONCLUSIONS
The recommended outcome measures (SARA, BBS and TUG) are available at no cost, require little equipment and are quick and easy to perform; however, formal psychometric testing of the BBS and TUG in people with cerebellar ataxia is warranted.
Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, University of Otago , Dunedin , New Zealand .
Stanley J
SJ
Winser
Catherine
C
Smith
Leigh A
LA
Hale
Leica S
LS
Claydon
Susan L
SL
Whitney
D002524:Cerebellar Ataxia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D032921:Consensus; D003697:Delphi Technique; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D059825:Physical Therapists; D004856:Postural Balance; D011594:Psychometrics
BBS; Balance scales; SARA; TUG; cerebellar ataxia