RATER RELIABILITY OF FAHNS TREMOR RATING-SCALE IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS

Objective: Assessment of movement disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is difficult because of the complex nature of the movem ent disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of Fahn's Tremor Rating Scale (FTRS) in assessing movement disorders i n patients with MS. Method: Videos were made of 10 patients with MS sh owing their rest, postural, action/intention, and goal-related movemen t disorders as well as their performance of spirometry, a volumetric t ask, and timed functional tasks. Ratings of tremor were carried out by one rater on two occasions 3 months apart and by 8 raters on one occa sion using FTRS. Results: Intrarater reliability was generally very go od, with no significant ''drift'' in ratings over time. Interrater rel iability was generally good, with some variation in interpretation of scoring criteria that may reflect raters' backgrounds. Conclusion: The FTRS is a reliable and potentially useful tool with which to assess m ovement disorders in patients with MS. (C) 1998 by the American Congre ss of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Med icine and Rehabilitation.