Validation of the Fall Efficacy Scale-International, a measure of fear of falling, in people with multiple sclerosis

Fear of falling is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), yet few tools predict fall risk. This study examined the 7-item Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) for unidimensionality and its ability to predict falls. Fifty-four participants with MS (EDSS 0–6) recorded falls for 6 months; FES-I was assessed at baseline. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a single-factor structure (CFI=0.969; TLI=0.953). Higher FES-I scores predicted falls within 3 months, independent of prior falls (OR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.04–1.43; p=0.016). The 7-item FES-I is a valid measure of fear of falling and a predictor of short-term fall risk in MS.