Psychometric Properties of the Activities‐Specific Balance Confidence Scale and the Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in Older Women

Abstract

The ABC and SAFE demonstrated strong internal-consistency reliability and validity when self-administered. The ABC had stronger associations with physical functioning and may be more appropriate for studies focused on improving physical function. Both instruments demonstrated ceiling effects, which may explain the lack of responsiveness to change in relatively nonfrail older women. Instruments sensitive to measuring lower levels of fear of falling are needed to capture the full range of this phenomenon in this population.