Validation of Russian version of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Impairment Multidomain Scale

Motor impairment, bulbar palsy and respiratory insufficiency represent main presentation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The rate of symptom worsening reflects progression of the disease. The objective: to analyze the reliability of the Russian-language version of the “ALS Impairment Multi-Domain Scale” (AIMS). Material and methods. The study was conducted on a sample of 50 people with ALS. The reliability of the scale was analyzed, including internal consistency, retest and inter-expert reliability, and convergent validity in relation to ALS Functional Rating Scale — Revised (ALSFRS-R). Results. AIMS has demonstrated excellent internal consistency, high retest and inter-expert reliability, and convergent validity. Compared with the ALSFRS-R, AIMS had smaller ceiling and floor effects. Conclusion. The Russian-language version of AIMS is a reliable tool for the evaluation of severity of neurological deficit in patients with ALS and for the assessment of the disease progression rate.