If you would like to translate MdFES into your language please read the original documents on the development of MdFES (References 1-3), the “Guide to BRC translation protocol” below before proceeding.

You MUST also first contact shawn.soh@singaporetech.edu.sg to confirm whether someone else is already doing a translation into your language. We will then register you as doing the translation as well as answer any questions you may have. One condition of doing the translation is that it is made available through this website.

Refer to the link.

Participants should answer items thinking about their current physical abilities based on the given scenario.

Often, participants would reply based on their past experiences, which could have varying time reference points (e.g., one year ago vs five years ago). Translators should clarify that the assessment is to evaluate the participants’ belief in their ability now. Participants should provide a reply based on their judgement of their own reactive balance recovery abilities.

Some translators may find it helpful to clarify in the instructions about what is meant by “slightly confident”, “somewhat confident”, and “quite confident”. In some languages it is better to translate these terms as “low confidence”, “moderate confidence”, and “high confidence”.

The Multidimensional Falls Efficacy Scale (MdFES) measures a formative construct, whereby each item represents a distinct and theoretically grounded domain of falls efficacy. To facilitate clinically meaningful interpretation, individual item scores may be examined to identify domain-specific confidence deficits, thereby supporting targeted assessment, intervention planning, and outcome evaluation. In addition, combined domain scores may be derived to reflect broader functional constructs. Specifically, the combined scores of Items 1 and 2 represent an individual’s perceived ability to prevent a fall, or perceived balance control, whereas the combined scores of Items 3 and 4 reflect the individual’s confidence in managing a fall once it occurs.

A total MdFES score, calculated as the sum of all four items, provides an overall indication of falls efficacy. However, users are encouraged to interpret total scores alongside item-level and domain-level scores, as reliance on a single composite score may obscure clinically relevant deficits within specific domains of falls efficacy.

Item 1 assesses balance confidence, reflecting an individual’s perceived ability to maintain stability while walking.

Item 2 assesses balance recovery confidence, capturing confidence in regaining balance following a perturbation or near-fall.

Item 3 assesses safe landing confidence, reflecting perceived capability to minimise injury through controlled or protective responses during an unavoidable fall.

Item 4 assesses post-fall recovery confidence, representing confidence in getting up from a lower level, such as the ground.

Item-level interpretation is essential for identifying specific confidence deficits relevant to falls prevention and management.