Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living

A 10-item measure of functional independence in basic activities of daily living, widely used in stroke rehabilitation and elderly care. Score ranges from 0-100.

Warnings:
  • The original Barthel Index (1965) scored 0-20; the modified version (Shah et al. 1989) uses 0-100
  • Takes 2-5 minutes by clinician or up to 10 minutes if self-administered
  • Primarily validated for stroke, neurological conditions, and rehabilitation settings
  • Categories are for research; routine clinical use focuses on individual item scores
  • Modified versions exist (e.g., 5-point ordinal scale per item); ensure consistency within institution
Note: The Modified Barthel Index (MBI) by Shah et al. (1989) uses a 5-point ordinal scale (0, 5, 10, 15) for most items. Maximum total = 100. The 10 items assess: feeding, bathing, grooming, dressing, bowel, bladder, toilet, transfers, mobility, stairs.
Gets food from plate to mouth; may need help with preparation
Washes face/hands, bathes self completely or needs help with one part
Washes face, combs hair, brushes teeth, shaves
Puts on clothes, manages fasteners; may have help tying shoes
Control of bowel movements
Control of bladder; catheterized = continent if managed
Gets on/off toilet, cleans self, arranges clothes
Moves between bed and chair
Walking on level surfaces; wheelchair if unable to walk
Ascends and descends stairs

References