Article

PURPOSE: To examine the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the
Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC-S),
and its ability to
discriminate between patients with and without a history of falls among a Spanish
population with vestibular disorders. METHOD:
A total of 84 participants
completed the ABC-S. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct
validity (exploratory factor analysis) were analysed. Concurrent validity was
evaluated using the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and the Dizziness
Handicap Inventory (DHI). To determine the accuracy of the ABC total score in
discriminating patients with and without a history of falls, a receiver operating
characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. RESULTS: The ABC-S showed
excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.916) and substantial
test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74-0.93), with standard error and
minimal detectable change values of 8.64 and 16.94, respectively. Factor analyses
suggested a three-factor structure (explained variance was 62.24%). The ABC total
score significantly correlated with the physical component summary score of the
SF-12 and with the DHI-P, DHI-E, DHI-F and DHI total scores (p < 0.001). The
ABC-S was significantly able to discriminate between participants with and
without a history of falls (p < 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The ABC-S is a valid and
reliable instrument, suitable to assess balance confidence in Spanish patients
with vestibular disorders. Implications for Rehabilitation The Spanish version of
the ABC scale is a valid and reliable measure of balance confidence in patients
with vestibular disorders. In persons with vestibular disorders, the Spanish
version of the ABC scale has shown the ability to discriminate between patients
with and without a history of falls in the last year.

Langue : ANGLAIS