Validity and reliability of arabic version of Fullerton advanced balance scale in post mastectomy lymphedema.

Background: Patients with lymphedema are susceptible to a loss of balance. The 
Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale assesses the multiple dimensions of balance in these 
patients. The FABS was translated and validated in several languages, but there are no 
published reports in Arabic. Purpose: To find out the validity and reliability of the 
translated version of FABS among the Arab population in Egypt. Methods: The study 
was conducted in two main steps, as follows: Step 1: The FABS underwent translation 
from English to Arabic (examining both forward as well as backward translations). The 
final version underwent rigorous evaluation by experts to assess its face and content 
correctness, as well as its authentication. Step 2: The assessment of its psychometric 
properties was conducted on 107 females with lymphedema. Their ages were between 
30 and 60 years old. Feasibility was assessed by measuring the time spent filling out the 
scale. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were also used to assess the 
reliability. Patients were asked to complete the scale once every week on average, and 
they were also asked to re-fill it to ensure test-retest reliability. Results: FABS had 
excellent face validity, with a clarity scale score of 94% and a mean proportion of clear 
responses of 94%. Additionally, the mean proportion of relevant responses was found to 
be 98%. Furthermore, the scale demonstrated excellent content validity, reaching a value 
of 0.98. It exhibited a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.81, suggesting a high degree of 
internal consistency and good test-retest reliability across all items. The ICC varied from 
0.816 to 0.979. The overall score ICC was 0.977, with a 95% confidence interval 
spanning from 0.965 to 0.985. Conclusion: The FABS Arabic version is simple to use, 
reliable, and a valid tool for the identification of balance deficits among patients with 
lymphedema.