Table 3 Modified IBM Functional Rating Scale (IBMFRS)

1. Swallowing

5 Dressing

9 Walking

4 Normal

4 Normal

4 Normal

3 Early eating problems occasional choking

3 Independent but with increased effort or decreased efficiency.

3 Slow or mild unsteadiness

2 Dietary consistency changes

2 Independent but requires assistive devices or modified techniques

2 Intermittent use of an assistive device (AFO, cane walker)

1 Frequent choking

1 Requires assistance from caregiver for some clothing items (Velcro, snaps,shirts,shirts without buttons, etc.)

1 Unable to walk without assistive device

0 Needs tube feeding

0 Total dependence

0 Wheelchair dependent

2 Handwriting (with dominant hand prior to IBM onset)

6 Hygiene (Bathing & Toileting)

10 Climbing Stairs

4 Normal

4 Normal

4 Normal

3 Slow or sloppy; all words are legible

3 Independent but with increased effort or decreased activity

3 Slow with hesitation or increased effort; uses hand rail intermittently

2 Not all words are legible

2 Independent but requires use of assistive devices (shower chair, raised toilet seat, etc)

2 Dependent on hand rail

1 Able to grip pen but unable to write

1 Requires occasional assistance from caregiver

1 Dependent on hand rail and additional support (cane or person)

0 Unable to grip pen

0 Completely dependent

0 Cannot climb stairs

3 Cutting Food & Handling Utensils

7 Turning In Bed & Adjusting Covers

4 Normal

4 Normal

3 Somewhat slow and clumsy, but no help needed

3 Somewhat slow and clumsy but no help needed

2 Can cut most foods although clumsy and slow; some help needed; can’t use chopsticks

2 Can turn alone or adjust sheets, but with great difficulty

1 Food must be cut by someone, but can still feed slowly

1 Can initiate, but not turn or adjust sheets alone (needs caregivers)

0 Needs to be fed

0 Unable or requires total assistance

4 Fine Motor Tasks (Opening doors, using keys & picking up small objects)

8 Sit to Stand

4 Independent

4 Independent (without use of arms)

3 Slow or clumsy in completing task

3 Performs with substitute motions (leaning forward, rocking) but without use of arms

2 Independent but requires modified techniques or assistive devices

2 Requires use of arms

1 Frequently requires assistance from caregiver (e.g. bottons)

1 Requires assistance from a device or person

0 Unable

0 Unable to stand