NEUROLOGICAL GOLD STANDARD
Fugl-Meyer Pro (FMA)
Comprehensive Impairment Index for Post-Stroke Hemiplegia
Complete the standardized items
to visualize recovery stage
Clinical Significance
The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) is a performance-based index specifically designed to assess motor functioning and sensation in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. It is categorized by stages of recovery, helping PTs track the transition from flaccidity to isolated movement.
FMA Recovery Stages
| Total Score | Recovery Level |
|---|---|
| 0-50 | Very Severe Impairment |
| 51-84 | Severe Impairment |
| 85-95 | Moderate Impairment |
| 96-100 | Mild Impairment |
*Note: Based on Motor-only scores (UE 66 + LE 34 = 100).
Standardized FMA Protocol
During the assessment, each item is scored on a 3-point ordinal scale:
- 0: Cannot perform the movement at all.
- 1: Performs the movement partially.
- 2: Performs the movement fully and normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MCID for the Fugl-Meyer Assessment?
For the Upper Extremity subscale, a change of **9 to 10 points** is typically considered the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) in chronic stroke.
Clinical Bibliography
- 1. Fugl-Meyer AR, et al. The post-stroke hemiplegic patient. Scand J Rehabil Med. 1975.
- 2. Gladstone DJ, et al. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after Stroke. Neurorehab Neural Repair. 2002.
Dr. Nikhil Mahajan, PT
CLINICAL RESOURCE