Validity and Responsiveness of the Manchester Fatigue Scale in Post-COVID

Objective: This study investigates the Manchester COPD Fatigue Scale's (MCFS) validity and responsiveness in individuals after hospitalization due to COVID-19.Methods: A longitudinal observational study included 53 adults diagnosed with COVID-19. Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC), Six-Minute Step Test (6MST), Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were assessed. The measurement properties tested were concurrent, convergent, discriminant validities, and responsiveness.Results: The MCFS showed concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity, with moderate to strong significant correlations with fatigue (rs=0.57), symptoms (rs=-0.27), exercise performance (rs=0.39), depression (rs=0.67), and dyspnea (rs=0.44) measures. The instrument exhibited internal responsiveness with reduced fatigue scores three months after hospital discharge (median total score from 14.5 to 5.0,p<0.001). External responsiveness was shown through associations between MCFS scores and dyspnea changes. Conclusion: The MCFS is a valid and responsive tool for physicians and researchers in effectively identifying, monitoring, and managing post-COVID-19 fatigue.