Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a slowly progressive myopathy 
with autosomal dominant inheritance remarkable for its early involvement of 
facial musculature. The purpose of our study was to assess the rate of strength 
deterioration, functional condition and performance of activity of daily living 
of patients with FSHD in Taiwan. Twenty patients diagnosed with FSHD were 
included in this study. Manual muscle testing (MMT) was used to evaluate muscle 
strength. The Brooke and Vignos scales were used to assess upper and lower 
extremity function respectively, and the capability of the activity of daily 
living was measured by Barthel index. The result of the strength testing was 
characterized by the presence of a progressive asymmetrical muscular weakness in 
patients with FSHD. The mean muscular strength of the right extremity was weaker 
than its left counterparts (p < 0.05) and the shoulder muscle group was the 
weakest. According to the Brooke functional scale, 20% of our patients were 
graded as 1, 30% as grade 2, and 50% as grade 3. On the Vignos functional scale, 
50% of patients fell into grade 1, 10% in grade 2, and 40% in grades 3-5. Vignos 
scale was significantly correlated with mean muscle strength (p < 0.05). The 
average value of Barthel index was 97.8 +/- 4.7. The muscle strength decline in 
this Taiwanese of FSHD population was more severe in shoulder girdle area. The 
mean muscle strength of the right extremity was weaker than the left. Most of 
our patients suffered from mild or moderate physical disability. Finding of 
these Taiwanese FSHD population is similar to those reported elsewhere in the 
world.