Cardiac Rehabilitation And Quality Of Life Scores

Fried Frailty Phenotype Calculator

Clinical calculation support · Verify results before clinical use

Frailty assessment

Each positive criterion contributes one point. Complete all five items.

0Score / 5
Unintentional weight loss

Unintentional weight loss

Unintentional loss of more than 10 lb (4.5 kg) during the previous year. A measured loss of at least 5% of body weight may also be used in clinical assessment.

+1 point if present
Exhaustion

Exhaustion

In the original phenotype, assessed using specified self-reported exhaustion items from the CES-D; a generic yes/no response is a simplified substitute.

+1 point if present
Low physical activity

Low physical activity

The original method uses a physical activity questionnaire and sex-specific energy-expenditure thresholds; a generic yes/no response is a simplified substitute.

+1 point if present
Slowness (walking speed)

Slowness (walking speed)

The original method uses measured walking time with cutoffs stratified by sex and height; assess using a standardized gait-speed protocol.

+1 point if present
Weakness (grip strength)

Weakness (grip strength)

The original method uses measured handgrip strength with cutoffs stratified by sex and BMI; assess using a calibrated dynamometer.

+1 point if present
0Score / 5
Phenotype category
Robust (non-frail)
No criteria selected as present.
Interpretation

A score of 0 indicates robust status under the Fried phenotype classification.

Classification: 0 criteria = robust; 1–2 = pre-frail; 3–5 = frail. This calculator only scores the responses entered and cannot verify whether each criterion was assessed using the original standardized method.

About the Fried Frailty Phenotype

The Fried Frailty Phenotype describes physical frailty using five criteria: unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, weakness, slow walking speed, and low physical activity. Each criterion is scored 1 when present and 0 when absent, giving a total from 0 to 5.

Score interpretation

ScoreClassificationMeaning
0Robust (non-frail)No phenotype criteria identified.
1–2Pre-frailOne or two criteria identified.
3–5FrailThree or more criteria identified.

Important measurement note

The original phenotype is not simply a five-question yes/no questionnaire. Exhaustion uses specified questions, physical activity uses a defined activity assessment, and slowness and weakness require measured performance with appropriate sex-, height-, or BMI-specific thresholds. A simplified checklist may not be equivalent to the original validated instrument.

Clinical context

Frailty is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes, including falls, disability, hospitalization, and mortality. Consider a comprehensive assessment and individualized interventions when frailty or pre-frailty is identified.

References

Fried LP, Tangen CM, Walston J, et al.Frailty in older adults: evidence for a phenotype. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2001;56(3):M146–M156. doi:10.1093/gerona/56.3.M146. PubMed.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Frailty: Evaluation and Management. 2021. Summary of commonly used Fried phenotype criteria and measurement thresholds. Article.
American Thoracic Society.Frailty: Fried Frailty Phenotype overview, scoring, and measurement characteristics. Official resource.
Clinical disclaimer: This tool is intended to support clinical assessment and education, not to establish a diagnosis or dictate treatment. Confirm findings with an appropriately trained clinician and standardized assessment methods. Interpret results in the context of the patient's age, comorbidities, function, and clinical circumstances.
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