Qualitative measures that assess functional disability and quality of life in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Takeaway

  • Several items of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) did not accurately represent the functional abilities or situations experienced by people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Why this matters

  • ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that weakens muscles and impacts physical function.

  • ALSFRS-R is a qualitative tool that has been developed to evaluate functional characteristics of people living with ALS.

  • Given the poor prognosis of this rapidly progressing disease, the need for reliable diagnostic tools used to assess ALS is imperative in clinical practice.