Summary

What it measures:

The Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite uses a combination of tests to measures 3 components of function.¹

• Leg function/ambulation via Timed 25 Foot Walk (T25FW)
• Arm/hand function via 9‐Hole Peg Test (9HPT)
• Cognitive function via Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT-3)

Target Population:

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)

Task Force Recommendations

In 2012, the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy's Multiple Sclerosis Evaluation Database to Guide Effectiveness (MS-EDGE) taskforce made the following recommendations:

1. MSFC is highly recommended for use in outpatient rehabilitation settings.
2. MSFC is recommended for use in inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings.
3. MSFC is not recommended for use in acute care settings.

Clinical Insights:

This clinical tool was designed to be a multidimensional assessment tool to assist in determining current clinical disability status and to track overall progression of MS over time. The PASAT component of the MSFC has some limitations related to reliability due to possible practice effects.² Despite these limitations, the MSFC continues to be a routinely used tool that is recommended as a method of assessing clinical disability status both in the clinic and when performing research.