The modified Borg Scale for assessing the intensity of dyspnea or fatigue
The modified Borg Scale for assessing the intensity of dyspnea or fatigue
0
Nothing at all
0.5
Very, very slight (just noticeable)
1
Very slight
2
Slight (light)
3
Moderate
4
Somewhat severe
5
Severe (heavy)
6
7
Very severe
8
9
10
Very, very severe (maximal)
This Borg scale should be printed on heavy paper (11 inches high and perhaps laminated) in 20-point type size. At the beginning of the 6-minute exercise, show the scale to the patient and ask the patient this: "Please rate the intensity of your 'breathing discomfort' using this scale." Then ask this: "Please rate your level of fatigue using this scale." At the end of the exercise, remind the patient of the breathing number that they chose before the exercise and ask the patient to grade their breathing level again. Then ask the patient to grade their level of fatigue, after reminding them of their grade before the exercise.
Reproduced with permission from: the American Thoracic Society. ATS statement: Guidelines for the six-minute walk test. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2002; 166:111.