Establishing content validity for a composite activities-specific risk of falls scale:linkage between fear of falling and physical activity

BMC Geriatrics, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02211-z · Published: April 11, 2021

Simple Explanation

Falls are a major problem for older adults and those with disabilities, leading to injuries and loss of independence. Preventing falls is crucial. Fear of falling (FoF) and physical activity (PA) are linked to falls. FoF can cause people to avoid activities, while PA helps maintain physical condition. This study designed a new scale, CARFS, to measure the connection between FoF and PA in people with different disability levels, aiming to improve fall prevention programs.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

30 community-dwelling older adults, hospitalized patients with strokes, and those with spinal cord injuries

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The Composite Activities-specific Risk of Falls Scale (CARFS) includes 14 activities.
2
The CARF score calculation formula is C = A+(4-B) + A × B/2.
3
The CARF score showed sensitivity to the disability levels in most items (P < 0.05).

Research Summary

This study developed the CARFS, a scale to measure fall risk by linking fear of falling (FoF) and physical activity (PA) in people with varying disability levels. The CARFS demonstrated strong content validity based on evaluations by rehabilitation professionals and sensitivity tests. The CARFS has the potential to improve fall risk screening, guide individualized prevention programs, and track program effectiveness.

Practical Implications

Improved Fall Risk Screening

The CARFS can strengthen the screening process for fall risk.

Individualized Prevention Programs

The CARFS can provide better guidance for designing individualized exercise- and behavior-focused fall prevention programs.

Tracking Program Effectiveness

The CARFS enables precise tracking of program effectiveness as a multidimensional outcome measure.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size in the pilot survey weakened the representativeness of the target population.
2
The formula of the CARF score was proposed based on professional perspectives but not derived from existing formulae.
3
Content validity was evaluated subjectively by professionals.

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