Validation of the Center for Neurologic Study Bulbar Function Scale–Chinese version in a population with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract

Abstract Objective The Center for Neurologic Study Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) was specifically designed as a self-reported measure of bulbar function. The purpose of this research was to validate the Chinese translation of the CNS-BFSC as an effective measurement for the Chinese population with ALS. Methods A total of 111 ALS patients were included in this study. The CNS-BFSC score, three bulbar function items from the ALSFRS-R, and visual analog scale (VAS) score for speech, swallowing and salivation were assessed in the present study. Forty-six ALS patients were retested on the same scale 5–10 days after the first evaluation. Results The CNS-BFSC sialorrhea, speech and swallowing subscores were separately correlated with the VAS subscores (p 0.05). The Cronbach’s α of the CNS-BFSC was 0.972. Conclusion The Chinese version of the CNS-BFSC has acceptable efficacy and reliability for the assessment of bulbar dysfunction in ALS patients.

Keywords

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Center for neurologic study bulbar function scale
• ALS functional rating scale–revised
• Bulbar function