@article{ref1,
title="Evidence of the psychometric qualities of a simplified version of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale for community-dwelling seniors",
journal="Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation",
year="2007",
author="Filiatrault, Johanne and Gauvin, Lise and Fournier, Michel and Parisien, Manon and Robitaille, Yvonne and Laforest, Sophie and Corriveau, Helene and Richard, Lucie",
volume="88",
number="5",
pages="664-672",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity, reliability, and item hierarchy of a modified version of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale using an item-response theory framework and integrating modifications aimed at increasing user-friendliness and promoting better congruence of the scale with public health falls prevention strategies. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Community-based. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred community-dwelling seniors involved in an effectiveness study of a falls prevention program. Participants were recruited by community-based organizations. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Balance confidence. RESULTS: The modified ABC scale (called ABC-Simplified [ABC-S] scale) has high internal consistency (reliability index, .86) and good convergent validity (statistically significant associations with perceived balance; performances on the one-leg stance, tandem stance, tandem walking, functional reach, and lateral reach [on the right side] tests; fear of falling; and occurrence of falls in the previous 12 mo). Analyses also showed differing degrees of difficulty across items, allowing for a determination of the scale's item hierarchy. CONCLUSIONS: The ABC-S scale is a valid and reliable measure for the assessment of balance confidence among community-dwelling seniors. The fact that this measure was validated with high-functioning seniors makes it particularly well-suited for identifying community-dwelling seniors who are beginning to lose confidence in their balance and who could benefit from community falls prevention programs.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0003-9993",
doi="10.1016/j.apmr.2007.02.003",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2007.02.003"
}