Measurement properties of a telephone version of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale among individuals with a traumatic spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

OBJECTIVES

To validate a telephone-administered version of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale spinal cord injury scores among individuals with a traumatic SCI 6 months post discharge from rehabilitation.

SETTING

GF Strong Rehabilitation Center in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

METHODS

Data from 42 participants who were ≥19-years-old with a confirmed American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale classification of A, B, C or D resulting from a traumatic SCI, and 6 months post discharge from rehabilitation were analyzed. The internal consistency was ascertained using Cronbach's alpha. Support for validity was provided by conducting correlations between the 21-item MFIS-SCI and Fatigue Severity Scale curve was constructed. Sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios were calculated to assess the diagnostic accuracy.

RESULTS

Cronbach's alpha was 0.97. Correlations between the MFIS-SCI and FSS were in the a priori hypothesized direction and magnitude. The area under the ROC curve was 0.78 (95% confidence interval=0.65-0.92). At the optimal cutoff score of 24.5, both the sensitivity and specificity were 0.67. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 2.03 and 0.49, respectively.

CONCLUSION

There is support for the validity of the MFIS-SCI scores and it should be considered for the comprehensive measurement of the impact of fatigue in persons with a traumatic SCI.