The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS) is an instrument for evaluating the functional status of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It can be used to monitor functional change in a patient over time.
Measures:
(1) speech
(2) salivation
(3) swallowing
(4) handwriting
(5) cutting food and handling utensils (with or without gastrostomy)
(6) dressing and hygiene
(7) turning in bed and adjusting bed clothes
(8) walking
(9) climbing stairs
(10) breathing
Each measure has 4 responses ranging from normal (4 points) to severe impairment (0 points).
ALSFRS =
= SUM(points for all 10 measures)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 40
• The higher the score, the more function is retained.
Performance:
• It shows close agreement with objective measures of muscle strength and pulmonary function.
• It shows good construct validity and is sensitive to change in the patient's condition.
• It shows test-retest reliability and is consistent.
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