Turkish version of Brief Ataxia Rating Scale

Abstract

Aim

Our aim was to perform the Turkish-language adaptation of a practical ataxia rating scale for children.

Methods

The Brief Ataxia Rating Scale was subjected to cultural adaptation following receipt of the requisite permissions. Thirty-six children aged 4–18 years followed-up with a diagnosis of ataxia were included in the study. Evaluation of each child was recorded on video. The video recordings were scored independently by nine observers (four physiotherapists, one pediatric neurologist, and four pediatricians). Intra-rater reliability was tested by the same video images being scored twice, at 15-day intervals, by a pediatric neurologist. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used for inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. The Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia was used for concurrent validity.

Results

Good to excellent reliability was determined among the nine observers in terms of total scores with the intraclass correlation coefficient among the nine observers (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.926; 95% CI: 0.885–0.956). Intra-rater reliability analysis results exhibited strong reliability in terms of scores elicited at two-week intervals (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.967; 95% CI: 0.890–0.987, r = 0.97, p < 0.001). At concurrent validity analysis, a strong relation was determined between total Scale of the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score and total Brief Ataxia Rating Scale score (r = 0.942, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Turkish-language adaptation of the Brief Ataxia Rating Scale is reliable and valid for application in children.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• This study shows the reliability and validity of the Turkish language adaptation of brief ataxia rating scale in children.

• The scale being both practical and easily applicable to ataxic children will contribute to broadening its use in the pediatric age group in particular.

Keywords:

• Brief Ataxia Rating Scale
• Turkish-language adaptation
• children
• reliability
• validity

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Bayram Dündar, Şaziye Dündar, and Murat Emirzeoğlu for their contributions to the case scoring.

Ethical approval

The approval for this study was granted by the Karadeniz Technical University Scientific Research Ethical Committee (No. 2018/86, dated 16 April, 2018).

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest and certify that no funding has been received for this study and/or preparation of this manuscript.