Use of composite scores (megascores) to measure deficit in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The Tufts Quantitative Neuromuscular Exam (TQNE) consists of 28 items that were designed to measure voluntary motor deficit in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related diseases. Individual raw data were converted to Z scores for standardization and then grouped into five megascores with statistical and clinical relevance. The derived megascores were Mega 1, pulmonary function; Mega 2, bulbar function; Mega 3, timed hand activities; Mega 4, isometric arm strength; and Mega 5, isometric leg strength. Megascores should enhance the usefulness of testing in therapeutic trials and in analyzing the natural history of ALS and related diseases.