Development And Pilot Testing Of A Questionnaire To Asses Fear Of Fall While Performing Dual Task In Older Adults

This study aims to develop and validate a novel questionnaire to assess the dual-task fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults through a two-phase methodological approach. Phase I involves a comprehensive literature review to identify relevant items and activities, followed by a formal content validation process. A multidisciplinary panel of 12 experts—including neurologists, physiotherapists, nurses, and psychologists with geriatric specialization—will evaluate the initial draft using a Modified Delphi Technique. This iterative process will involve 2–3 rounds of qualitative feedback and quantitative scoring on a 4-point Likert scale to calculate the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) until a pre-defined consensus is achieved.

Phase II consists of a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility, clarity, and practical application of the finalized questionnaire. Following approval from the Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Institutional Ethics Committee (SVIEC), a convenient sample of eligible older adults will be recruited after obtaining written informed consent. Participants will be screened for cognitive status using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and psychological factors via the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The primary assessment will involve the administration of the new dual-task questionnaire alongside the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The resulting data will be analyzed to determine the association between questionnaire scores and physical performance, ensuring the tool is scientifically robust and valid for future large-scale clinical use.