Shabnam Behrangrad1, Amin Kordi Yoosefinejad2,3. 1. Department of Physiotherapy, Monash University, Non-invasive Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity Laboratory, Peninsula Campus, Building B, Frankston VIC 3199, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 2. Rehabilitation Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. 3. Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Dear EditorWe have read the article entitled “Psychometric properties of the Persian version of MAFS[1] published in your journal recently. We have published an article entitled “Validity and reliability of MAFS in Iranian patients with relapsing-remitting subtype of multiple sclerosis.”[2] We are aware of the importance of MAFS as a popular scale to evaluate fatigue; however, are not sure if performing the same research with similar objectives within a different population could be considered as novelty of a research. Moreover, we are sure that ignoring studies with similar concepts is not accepted both ethically and scientifically. Surely, as we are engaging in the same university as the authors of the aforementioned article, it was easy to find or request the full text of our article. We expect the authors to explain (1) Why they did not refer to an article which has the most similarity with them, (2) To see if considering such a similarity is accepted economically and ethically, and (3) What is the novelty of their research.
Author's contribution
Conception or design: AKYN, SBAcquisition, analysis: AKYN, SBInterpretation of data: AKYN, SBDrafting the work or revising: AKYN, SBFinal approval of the version to be published: AKYN, SBAgreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work: AKYN, SB