Table 2

SF-36 scores for three different multiple sclerosis (MS) populations

SF-36 dimensions MS this study
n=149 mean (SD)
MS America
n=171 mean (SD)
MS Canada
n=97 mean (SD)
Physical function27.9 (28.1)36.2 (32.3)32.5 (27.4)
Emotional wellbeing66.7 (19.8)65.3 (19.9)68.2 (20.8)
Role limitations physical29.1 (38.9)33.4 (39.3)29.1 (35.8)
Role limitations emotional59.1 (43.2)61.3 (42.3)55.7 (43.0)
Social function49.7 (26.6)58.3 (27.2)60.9 (27.8)
Bodily pain62.8 (29.6)71.8 (26.8)67.3 (27.7)
Energy and vitality43.6 (22.0)39.0 (21.6)37.8 (21.7)
Health perceptions50.0 (22.8)43.0 (28.7)52.0 (22.4)
  • American multiple sclerosis population compiled from Vickreyet al 1997; Canadian multiple sclerosis population compiled from Brunet et al1996.