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Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS)
21-item self-report of how fatigue affects physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning over the past 4 weeks.
Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS)
Because of my fatigue I have been physically less active
I have had to reduce my physical effort during tasks
I have been unable to sustain physical exertion for long periods
I have needed to rest more often during the day
I have felt physically drained even after minimal exertion
My stamina for physical activity has been reduced
I have avoided prolonged physical activity because of fatigue
I have had less physical strength for daily tasks
My fatigue has limited how far or how long I can stay physically active
I have been less alert
I have had trouble paying attention for long periods
I have been unable to think clearly
I have been clumsy or uncoordinated
I have had trouble concentrating
I have had to limit mentally demanding activities
My short-term memory has seemed worse
I have made more mistakes than usual
I have had to work harder to keep track of what I am doing
I have been slower to complete mental tasks
My fatigue has interfered with my work or daily responsibilities
My fatigue has been a problem for my relationships with other people
Result0 / 84
Total score below the commonly used cut-off of 38 for clinically significant fatigue impact.
- Total MFIS
- 0 / 84
- Physical subscale
- 0 / 36
- Cognitive subscale
- 0 / 40
- Psychosocial subscale
- 0 / 8
When to use
- Quantifying the day-to-day impact of fatigue on physical, cognitive, and social functioning, most widely used in multiple sclerosis.
- Monitoring fatigue burden over time or in response to treatment.
Formula
21 items, each scored 0 (never) to 4 (almost always) for how fatigue affected the person over the preceding 4 weeks. Items sum into a physical subscale (9 items, 0-36), cognitive subscale (10 items, 0-40), and psychosocial subscale (2 items, 0-8); total score range 0-84, higher = greater fatigue impact.
Pearls and pitfalls
- A total score of 38 or higher has commonly been used to distinguish fatigued from non-fatigued individuals with multiple sclerosis.
- Item wording here paraphrases the validated instrument's content domains; use the official published item set for formal research or clinical documentation.