The Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale

This self-report tool measures confidence in maintaining balance during daily tasks. It helps clinicians assess fall risk in older adults and people with neurological conditions.

Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale PDF assessment form for rating balance confidence.
ABC

Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale

The Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale is a 16-item questionnaire rating balance confidence during daily tasks. It helps clinicians identify fall risks in older adults and track rehabilitation progress. This tool offers key insights into a patient's fear of falling and functional mobility.

Category

Mobility
Rehabilitation
Movement System

Disease

Assessment
Rehabilitation
Geriatrics

Source

(Powell & Myers, 1995)

Author Name

Powell, L.E. & Myers, A.M. (1995)

What is Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale

The Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, or ABC Scale, is a trusted tool for checking how confident patients feel about keeping their balance while moving. This 16-item questionnaire looks at a wide range of daily tasks. It asks people to rate their confidence in performing activities without losing their footing or feeling unsteady. Participants rate themselves from 0% to 100% for each item. Zero means no confidence at all, while 100 indicates complete certainty. The questions cover everything from walking around the house to walking on icy footpaths or using escalators. Clinicians love that it is quick to administer, usually taking about 5 to 10 minutes. It is great for older adults or those with vestibular issues. The final score gives a clear picture of physical function, helping therapists plan better treatments to improve mobility and safety outcomes.

ABC Scoring

The Activities specific Balance Confidence Scale is scored using one main approach: calculating the mean percentage. Participants rate their confidence on 16 daily tasks, ranging from 0 percent for no confidence to 100 percent for complete confidence. To get the final result, you simply add up the ratings for each activity and divide the total by 16. This produces a score between 0 and 100. Higher numbers show better balance confidence. Clinicians often watch for scores below 67 percent, as this points to a higher risk of falling in older adults and helps track progress.

View scoring form

Advantages

Diagnostic accuracy

Enables precise identification of patient health status.

Treatment planning

Develops personalised strategies based on assessment data.

Outcome tracking

Measures healthcare intervention results systematically.

Wide applicability

Serves diverse clinical needs effectively.

Efficient collection

Streamlines research data gathering process.

10
Minutes
20
Questions

Streamline Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale assessments with WeGuide

Digitise the ABC Scale to track balance confidence. Automate scoring and monitor patient progress effortlessly.

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