Psychometric properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Falls Behavioral Scale in people with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Purpose

To verify the psychometric properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Falls Behavioral (FaB-Brazil) Scale in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Material and Methods

Participants (n = 96) were assessed by disease-specific, self-report and functional mobility measures. Internal consistency of the FaB-Brazil scale was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and inter-rater and test–retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC), ceiling and floor effects, and convergent and discriminative validity were evaluated.

Results

Internal consistency was moderate (α = 0.77). Excellent inter-rater (ICC = 0.90; p < 0.001) and test–retest (ICC = 0.91; p < 0.001) reliability were found. The SEM was 0.20 and MDC was 0.38. Ceiling and floor effects were not found. Convergent validity was established by the positive correlations between the FaB-Brazil scale and age, modified Hoehn and Yahr, PD duration, Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Motor Aspects of Experiences of Daily Living, Timed Up & Go and 8-item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire, and negative correlations between the FaB-Brazil scale and community mobility, Schwab & England, and Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale. Females showed greater protective behaviors than males; recurrent fallers showed greater protective behaviors than non-recurrent fallers (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The FaB-Brazil scale is reliable and valid for assessing people with PD.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Fall-related behaviors should be part of the fall risk assessment of community-dwelling people with Parkinson’s disease.

• The Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Fall Behavioral (FaB-Brazil) Scale is reliable and valid for assessing everyday behaviors and actions related to falling in community-dwelling people with Parkinson’s disease.

• The FaB-Brazil scale may be used to tailor individualized fall prevention programs.

Keywords:

• Parkinson’s disease
• falls
• fall risk
• fall-related behaviors
• psychometric properties

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the participants of this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.