Barthel Index
Assessment of Functional Capacity in ADLs
Result
See the full interpretation in the table below
Interpretation
The Barthel Index is one of the most widely used scales worldwide for assessing functional capacity and independence in activities of daily living (ADLs). Developed by Mahoney and Barthel in 1965, it is broadly applied in hospital settings, rehabilitation, and long-term care, and is widely used by doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to monitor patients' functional progress.
| Score | Degree of Dependence | Clinical Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–20 | Total dependence | Requires assistance with all ADLs |
| 21–60 | Severe dependence | Requires significant assistance with most ADLs |
| 61–90 | Moderate dependence | Requires assistance with some ADLs |
| 91–99 | Mild dependence | Requires minimal assistance |
| 100 | Independent | Fully independent (does not mean no aids are used) |
Clinical Applications
The Barthel Index is widely used to:
Monitor functional progress during rehabilitation, establish individualized therapeutic goals, evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, assist in discharge planning, determine care and assistance needs, predict functional prognosis, and document functional capacity for multiprofessional communication.
Important: The Barthel Index assesses what the patient DOES (actual performance), not what they are CAPABLE of doing (theoretical capacity). The score should reflect the assistance actually required, not what is provided. Patients who refuse to perform an activity should be scored as if they need total assistance. Assessment should be based on direct observation whenever possible. The use of assistive devices (cane, walker, orthoses) is considered independent, provided the patient uses them without supervision or physical assistance.