Cardiac Rehabilitation And Quality Of Life Scores

Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) Calculator

Clinical calculation support · Verify results before clinical use

Functional Capacity Questionnaire

For each activity, select Yes if the patient can perform it, or No if they cannot.

— DASI score
The DASI contains 12 activities. The total is the sum of the weights for all activities answered “Yes”; the maximum possible score is 58.2.
Activity 1

Take care of yourself

Eating, dressing, bathing, or using the toilet.

+2.75 points
Activity 2

Walk indoors

For example, walking around your house.

+1.75 points
Activity 3

Walk one or two blocks on level ground

Walking outdoors on level ground.

+2.75 points
Activity 4

Climb a flight of stairs or walk up a hill

Climbing stairs or walking uphill.

+5.50 points
Activity 5

Run a short distance

A short run at a pace you can manage.

+8.00 points
Activity 6

Do light work around the house

For example, dusting or washing dishes.

+2.70 points
Activity 7

Do moderate work around the house

For example, vacuuming, sweeping floors, or carrying groceries.

+3.50 points
Activity 8

Do heavy work around the house

For example, scrubbing floors or lifting/moving heavy furniture.

+8.00 points
Activity 9

Do yardwork

For example, raking leaves, weeding, or pushing a power mower.

+4.50 points
Activity 10

Have sexual relations

Answer according to your ability to perform this activity.

+5.25 points
Activity 11

Participate in moderate recreational activities

For example, golf, bowling, dancing, or doubles tennis.

+6.00 points
Activity 12

Participate in strenuous sports

For example, swimming, singles tennis, basketball, or skiing.

+7.50 points

About the DASI

The Duke Activity Status Index is a 12-item, patient-reported questionnaire used to estimate functional capacity from the ability to perform common activities of daily living, household tasks, and recreation. Each “Yes” response contributes its activity-specific weight to the total score.

Scoring and derived estimates

MeasureCalculationRange / unit
DASI scoreSum of weights for “Yes” responses0–58.2 points
Estimated peak VO₂(0.43 × DASI) + 9.6mL/kg/min
Estimated METsEstimated peak VO₂ ÷ 3.5METs

Clinical use

DASI can support structured assessment of functional capacity, including in selected patients being evaluated before non-cardiac surgery. The 2024 AHA/ACC perioperative guideline states that structured assessment such as DASI is reasonable for patients undergoing elevated-risk non-cardiac surgery to help stratify perioperative cardiovascular risk.

Important limitations

  • The score reflects reported ability, which may be affected by symptoms, musculoskeletal limitations, environment, and patient interpretation.
  • Estimated peak VO₂ and METs are not equivalent to directly measured exercise-test results.
  • Do not use DASI alone to diagnose disease, determine surgical fitness, or make treatment decisions; integrate symptoms, examination, comorbidities, and the relevant clinical pathway.

References

Hlatky MA, Boineau RE, Higginbotham MB, et al.A brief self-administered questionnaire to determine functional capacity (the Duke Activity Status Index). Am J Cardiol. 1989;64(10):651–654. PMID: 2782256. DOI: 10.1016/0002-9149(89)90496-7.
Thompson A, Fleischmann KE, Smilowitz NR, et al.2024 AHA/ACC/ACS/ASNC/HRS/SCA/SCCT/SCMR/SVM Guideline for Perioperative Cardiovascular Management for Noncardiac Surgery. Circulation. 2024. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001285.
Coutinho-Myrrha MA, Dias RC, Fernandes AA, et al.Duke Activity Status Index for Cardiovascular Diseases: Validation of the Portuguese Translation. Arq Bras Cardiol. 2014;102(4):383–390. PMID: 24652056. Full text: PubMed Central.
Clinical disclaimer: This calculator supports estimation of self-reported functional capacity and does not replace clinical assessment or formal exercise testing. The DASI score and derived estimates should be interpreted in the context of the patient’s clinical condition and the intended use. Follow current local and specialty-specific guidance for clinical decisions.
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