Medical Research Council (MRC) Dyspnea Scale and Modifications (Fletcher Scale)

Grades of Breathlessness (Fletcher et al, 1959)

Grade

otherwise

1

able to keep up with people of similar age on level but not on hills or stairs

2

able to walk for 1 mile on the level at own pace BUT unable to keep up with people of similar age

3

able to walk about 100 yards (91 meters) on the level

4

breathless at rest OR on minimal effort

5

Grades of Breathlessness (ATS, 1982)

Grade

not troubled with breathlessness except during strenuous exercise

0

troubled by shortness of breath when hurrying on the level OR when walking up a slight hill

1

walks slower than people of the same age on the level because of breathlessness OR has to stop for breath when walking at own pace on the level

2

stops for breath after walking about 100 yards OR after a few minutes of walking on the level

3

too breathless to leave house, OR breathless when dressing or undressing

4