Cardiac Rehabilitation And Quality Of Life Scores

Barthel Index (ADL Function) Calculator

Clinical calculation support · Verify results before clinical use

Functional assessment

Complete all ten domains. Higher scores indicate greater independence.

0–100Score range
Feeding

Ability to eat once food has been placed within reach.

Bathing

Ability to wash the whole body independently.

Grooming

Personal hygiene such as washing the face, combing hair, shaving, and brushing teeth.

Dressing

Ability to select and put on clothing, including fasteners where applicable.

Bowel control

Control of bowel movements.

Bladder control

Control of urination, including independent management of any device if applicable.

Toilet use

Ability to use the toilet, manage clothing, clean oneself, and flush.

Transfers: bed to chair and back

Ability to transfer safely between bed and chair, including sitting up in bed.

Mobility on level surfaces

Ability to move on a level surface. The commonly used 0–100 form specifies mobility over more than 50 yards; follow the instructions for the exact version in use.

Stairs

Ability to ascend and descend stairs safely.

About the Barthel Index

The Barthel Index is a clinician-rated measure of performance in basic activities of daily living. It is commonly used to document functional status and change during rehabilitation.

This calculator uses a 0–100 scoring format across ten domains. Each activity has its own allowed score values; not every item uses the same range.

Domains assessed

ActivityAvailable scores
Feeding0, 5, 10
Bathing0, 5
Grooming0, 5
Dressing0, 5, 10
Bowel control0, 5, 10
Bladder control0, 5, 10
Toilet use0, 5, 10
Transfers: bed to chair and back0, 5, 10, 15
Mobility on level surfaces0, 5, 10, 15
Stairs0, 5, 10

How to use the result

  • Score what the patient actually does, using direct observation or a reliable assessment where possible.
  • Use the same version and administration approach when comparing scores over time.
  • Interpret the total alongside clinical status, cognition, environmental factors, and item-level limitations.

References

Mahoney FI, Barthel DW. Functional evaluation: The Barthel Index. Maryland State Medical Journal. 1965;14:61–65. PMID: 14258950. View PubMed record
Shah S, Vanclay F, Cooper B. Improving the sensitivity of the Barthel Index for stroke rehabilitation. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. 1989;42(8):703–709. Search PubMed
Assessment scales in stroke: clinimetric and clinical considerations. Review discussing the Barthel Index and versions used in stroke assessment. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2013. Read full text at PubMed Central
Clinical disclaimer: This calculator supports functional assessment and does not replace clinical judgement, direct observation, or the administration instructions for the specific instrument version used by your service. The displayed score should not be used alone to determine discharge, supervision, or long-term care needs.
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