Résumé :
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Following a questionnaire sent in 1998 to international teams concerning the need of a new functional scale suited to neuromuscular diseases, the Motor Function Measure (MFM) was constructed and validated. Three successive versions and more than 600 patients children and adults, were necessary before obtaining the final version with good metrologic properties. Largely inspired by the Gross Motor Function Measure, the MFM is composed of a total of 32 items distributed within 3 independent dimensions (D1, standing and transfers; D2, axial and proximal motor capacity; D3, distal motor capacity). A precise user’s manual gives the instructions for scoring. Training sessions for an optimal use are recommended. The user’s manual may be downloaded without any charge from the website www.mfm-nmd.org (French, English, Spanish and Portuguese versions available). For clinical purpose or research studies, the MFM is adapted to most neuromuscular diseases. Depending on the predominant motor deficiencies, 1, 2 or 3 dimensions may be explored. The validation of a short form with only 20 items suited for children under 7 years of age is on-going. A databank collecting the results of the patients is an opportunity to analyze the natural evolution of the diseases, to compare genetic and clinical data and to detect the possible positive effect due to the therapeutics. Predictive value for loss of ambulation or the effect of steroids may be evaluated for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It will be possible to estimate statistically numbers of subjects to be included in a therapeutic trial and the optimal period of observation.
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