Advances in the assessment
methodology for fatigue enhance the opportunities for new research.
The measurement of fatigue-related phenomena is a central aspect
of assessment. Measurement can apply to any dimension that can
be validly scaled, including severity, other common descriptors
(e.g. duration), and any of the qualitative elements within
the larger experience (e.g. sleep quality, muscle strength,
or mood). The specific impact on functioning (e.g. the ability
to work or socialize) also can be measured. Assessment implies
measurement of these dimensions, as well as depiction of other
data that are not typically scaled, such as potential etiologies,
relevant comorbidities, or related constructs such as global
quality of life. Given the broad range of options, researchers
must thoughtfully consider the aims of a study and select an
assessment methodology that provides useful measurements and
sufficient information about clinical context and comorbidities
to enhance the interpretability and generalizability of the
data.