Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric testing of the Spanish version of the Spinal Cord Injury Falls Concern Scale (SCI-FCS)

The objective of the study was to perform the translation and adaptation of the Spanish version of the Spinal Cord Injury-Falls Concern Scale (SCI-FCS), and evaluate the psychometric properties. The original scale was translated from English to Spanish in accordance with international guidelines. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to examine factor structure, while internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to examine test-retest reliability. Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) were estimated. Criterion validity was assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient. The Spanish SCI-FCS was administered to 81 manual wheelchair users with chronic SCI from a Spinal Cord Unit. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure. Internal consistency was high (α = 0.94) and test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC 2.1 = 0.99). SEM was 1.20 and MDC with 95% confidence interval was 3.31. The SCI-FCS score showed a positive correlation with fear of falling (r = 0.602, p < 0.001), Fatigue Severity Scale, r = 0.197 (p = 0.03), and the age of participants (r = 0.19, p = 0.04). The Spanish version of the SCI-FCS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing fall-related concerns in wheelchair users with chronic SCI.