=========================================================
The FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY SCALE:
incorporates energy rating, symptom severity, and activity level.
Rest is defined as lying down, eyes shut, meditating or sleeping.
0 = No energy, severe symptoms including very poor concentration; bed ridden all day; cannot do self-care (e.g. need bed bath to be given).
1 = Severe symptoms at rest, including very poor concentration; in bed most of the day; need assistance with self-care activities (bathing).
2 = Severe symptoms at rest, including poor concentration; frequent rests or naps; need some assistance with limited self-care activities (can wash face at the sink) and need rest afterwards for severe post exertional fatigue.
3 = Moderate symptoms at rest, including poor concentration; need frequent rests or naps; can do independent self-care (can wash standing at the sink for a few minutes) but have severe post exertion fatigue and need rest.
4 = Moderate symptoms at rest, including some difficulty concentrating; need frequent rests throughout the day; can do independent self-care (can take a shower) and limited activities of daily living (e.g. light housework, laundry); can walk for a few minutes per day.
5 = Mild symptoms at rest with fairly good concentration for short periods (15 minutes); need a.m. and p.m. rest; can do independent self-care and moderate activities of daily living, but have slight post exertion fatigue; can walk 10-20 minutes per day.
6 = Mild or no symptoms at rest with fairly good concentration for up to 45 minutes, cannot multitask; need afternoon rest; can do most activities of daily living except vacuuming; can walk 20-30 minutes per day; can do volunteer work – maximum total time 4 hours per week, with flexible hours.
7 = Mild or no symptoms at arrest with good concentration for up to ½ day; can do more intense activities of daily living (e.g. grocery shopping, vacuuming) but may get post exertion fatigue if ‘overdo’: can walk 30 minutes per day; can work limited hours, less than 25 hours per week; no or minimal social life.
8 = Mild intermittent symptoms with good concentration; can do full self-care, work 40 hours per week, enjoy a social life, do moderate vigorous exercise three times per week.
9 = No symptoms with very good concentration, full work and social life; can do vigorous exercise three to five times a week.
10 = No symptoms, excellent concentration, over achiever (sometimes may require less sleep than average person).
Dr. Alison Bested ©
Dr. Lynn Marshall
Environmental Health Clinic, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON