Clinical Research Directory

''The Agreement Between Face-to-face and Tele-assessment of Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) Scale in Older People''

Sponsor: Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine the measurement consistency and reliability of the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAGBS) between the tele-assessment method and the face-to-face assessment method. In line with increasing telehealth applications, researching the remote applicability of balance assessment tools is clinically important. In this context, the remote applicability of the FAGBS will be evaluated based on measurement comparability and participant experience. Research Design: This study is an observational, cross-sectional, methodological research conducted using a randomized crossover design. Measurement consistency and reliability will be compared between two different application methods (tele-assessment and face-to-face) of a measurement tool. Hypotheses: H₀: There is no significant consistency in terms of measurement between the tele-assessment method and the face-to-face assessment method of the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale. H₁: There is a significant level of consistency in measurement between the tele-assessment method and the face-to-face assessment method of the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale. Participants will be randomly assigned to first undergo the FAGBS using either the face-to-face or tele-assessment method, and then reassessed using the other method within 7 days. All applications will be conducted by the same physical therapist; tele-assessment will be conducted simultaneously via the Zoom platform, and sessions will be recorded. Inter-measure consistency will be assessed using ICC, error levels using SEM and MDC, and inter-method measurement agreement using Bland-Altman analysis. Convergent validity will be assessed using the FES-I (Falls Efficacy Scale - International). Additionally, feasibility, test completion rate, and participant satisfaction will be evaluated using a questionnaire. Expected Contributions: This research will provide scientific evidence that FAGBS can be applied validly and reliably using a tele-assessment method. Thus, it will enable the remote assessment of fall risk in elderly individuals in situations where face-to-face access is limited. The study will provide meaningful contributions to the standardization and integration of tele-assessment applications into clinical practice in the field of physical therapy.

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