Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC)
Purpose[edit | edit source]
The Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) designed by "National MS Society's Clinical Outcome Assessment Task" and is a standardized tool used to quantify degree of disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)[1]. Limitations in Expanded Disability Status Scale leads to development of MSFC in the early 1990's, to improve clinical assessment of patients with multiple sclerosis[2][3]. The traditional scales such as EDSS scale are inadequate in measuring some key aspects of MS for example cognitive function and have psychometric limitations as well[1].
Technique[edit | edit source]
MSFC covers three functional domains[3]:
- Ambulatory Function
- Hand Function
- Cognitive function
Performed with in 20 minutes.
| Nine-Hole Peg Test | Hand function is tested with the nine-hole peg test[3]. |
|---|---|
| (PASAT)Paced auditory serial addition task | PASAT was originally included to cover the cognitive dain. It measures processing speed and working memory, both of which are frequently affected functions in MS patients[3]. |
| Timed 25-foot walk test (T25W) | The ambulatory function is tested with the timed 25-foot walk test (T25W). The T25W is a reliable test for patients with more severe gait impairment, because it primarily assesses walking speed[3]. |
The results of the tests that assess these domains are depicted in an interval scale (seconds or number of correct responses) and can be converted to a Z score that is based on values of a reference population. An overall score can be calculated by averaging the Z score of the subtests[3].
Evidence[edit | edit source]
It has good intra- and inter-rater reliability and it results in a score on a continuous scale.
Resources[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 JS, RA, GR, SC. F Rudick, Cutter, Reingold. The Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite measure (MSFC): an integrated approach to MS clinical outcome assessment. Multiple Sclerosis Journal [Internet]. 1999 [cited 2024 Mar 1];5(4):244–250.
- ↑ Cutter GR, Baier ML, Rudick RA, Cookfair DL, Fischer JS, Petkau J, . Development of a multiple sclerosis functional composite as a clinical trial outcome measure. Brain [Internet]. 1999 [cited 2024 Mar 1];122(5):871–882.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Van Munster, C. E., & Uitdehaag, B. M. Outcome Measures in Clinical Trials for Multiple Sclerosis. CNS drugs. 2017;31(3):217–236.
