NIS-lower limbs (NIS-LL)
neuropathic impairment, muscle weakness, sensation loss, neuropathy
MUSCLE WEAKNESS, NEUROPATHY
The NIS-LL is a subset of 14 NIS assessments specific to neuropathy in the lower limbs. A composite NIS-LL total score ranges from 0 to 88, with subscale scores for muscle weakness (range: 0 to 64), sensation loss (range: 0 to 16), and decreased reflexes (range: 0 to 8). Higher NIS-LL scores indicate greater neuropathic impairment of the lower limbs.The NIS (and thus the NIS-LL item subset) was administered at baseline and week 65 visits. At each of these visits, the NIS was administered twice, with the two assessments recommended to occur on consecutive days. The two assessments at each visit were averaged. If only one assessment was conducted, then values from the single assessment were used. When possible, each patient was assessed by the same neurologist for all visits. Neurologists trained to administer the NIS/NIS-LL used standard procedures and equipment (e.g., cotton wool, pins, tuning fork, reflex hammer) and were instructed to consider abnormal nerve function in the context of the patient’s age, sex, weight, height, and overall physical fitness.