The Barthel Index (BI) is one of the most widely used rating scales for the measurement of activity limitations in patients with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions in an inpatient rehabilitation setting.
Barthel Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Index
| Activity | Points | |
| Feeding | ||
| Independent | 2 | |
| Needs help | 1 | |
| Dependent | 0 | |
| Grooming | ||
| Independent | 1 | |
| Dependent | 0 | |
| Bowels | ||
| Fully continent | 2 | |
| Occasional accident | 1 | |
| Incontinent | 0 | |
| Bladder | ||
| Fully continent | 2 | |
| Occasional accident | 1 | |
| Incontinent | 0 | |
| Dressing | ||
| Independent | 2 | |
| Needs help | 1 | |
| Dependent | 0 | |
| Chair/bed transfer | ||
| Independent | 3 | |
| Minimal help | 2 | |
| Able to sit | 1 | |
| Dependent | 0 | |
| Toilet use | ||
| Independent | 2 | |
| Needs help | 1 | |
| Dependent | 0 | |
| Mobility | ||
| Independent walking | 3 | |
| Walks with help of one person | 2 | |
| Independent in wheelchair | 1 | |
| Immobile | 0 | |
| Stairs | ||
| Independent | 2 | |
| Needs help | 1 | |
| Unable | 0 | |
| Bathing/washing | ||
| Independent | 1 | |
| Dependent | 0 | |
| Total | ||
This index provides information using a standardized validated scale for assessment of a patient’s ability to perform simple tasks relating to personal care. The scale has good validity and inter-rater reliability. Total score is from a maximum of 20, higher scores indicating greater independence.
References:
- Cabañero-Martínez MJ, Cabrero-García J, Richart-Martínez M, Muñoz-Mendoza CL. The Spanish versions of the Barthel index (BI) and the Katz index (KI) of activities of daily living (ADL): a structured review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2009 Jul-Aug;49(1):e77-84. [Medline]
- Duffy L, Gajree S, Langhorne P, Stott DJ, Quinn TJ. Reliability (inter-rater agreement) of the Barthel Index for assessment of stroke survivors: systematic review and meta-analysis. Stroke. 2013 Feb;44(2):462-8. [Medline]
- Quinn TJ, Langhorne P, Stott DJ. Barthel index for stroke trials: development, properties, and application. Stroke. 2011 Apr;42(4):1146-51. [Medline]
- Wade DT, Collin C. The Barthel ADL Index: a standard measure of physical disability? Int Disabil Stud. 1988;10(2):64-7. [Medline]
Created Jun 29, 2015.
