Psychometric properties of the Fatigue Severity Scale and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale

Y. C. Learmonth, D. Dlugonski, L. A. Pilutti, B. M. Sandroff, R. Klaren, R. W. Motl

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

241 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Fatigue is one of the most common, debilitating and life altering symptoms experienced by those with multiple sclerosis (MS) and has become the focus of therapeutic interventions and clinical rehabilitation. There is limited evidence regarding the psychometric properties and clinical relevance of fatigue outcomes for interpreting the effectiveness of intervention and rehabilitation strategies. This study determined the reliability, precision and clinically important change of the uni-dimensional Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the multidimensional Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Methods: The FSS and MFIS along with physical, psychological and cognitive clinical outcomes were administered to a sample of 82 persons with MS in a clinical research setting on two time points, separated by six months. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analyses established reliability; standard error of measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV) determined precision; minimal detectable change (MDC) defined clinically important change. Results: Participants varied in type of MS and disability status, with 77% of participants classified as having substantial fatigue, based on the criteria of a mean FSS score ≥4. The MFIS (ICC = 0.863) and the FSS (ICC = 0.751) had acceptable reliability over six months. Precision was reasonable for both scales (based on SEM and CV estimates) but better for the FSS. MDC estimates were established and were lower for the FSS. Conclusion: Reliability of the FSS and MFIS falls within acceptable ranges, and precision and clinically important change estimates provide guidelines for interpreting change in scores from these outcomes in clinical research of intervention and rehabilitation approaches for managing fatigue.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)102-107
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences
Volume331
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 15 2013

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This research was funded by a grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society ( PP1695 ). YCL was recipient of a 2012 Du Pré Award from the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation . The authors report no conflict of interest.

Keywords

  • Clinical change
  • Fatigue
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Outcome measures
  • Precision
  • Reliability
  • Validity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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