Functional Capacity Scale

FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY SCALE

The Functional Capacity Scale incorporates energy rating, symptom severity, and activity level. The description after each scale number can be used to rate functional capacity.

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 rest with good concentration for up to 1⁄2 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; 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. May be copied for individual use.]

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