Barthel ADL Index
Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living - measures functional independence in basic self-care and mobility tasks.
Bowels
Bladder
Grooming
Toilet use
Feeding
Transfer (bed to chair)
Mobility
Dressing
Stairs
Bathing
Select an option for each of the 10 ADL items to calculate the Barthel Index.
When to use the Barthel Index
The Barthel Index is used to assess functional status in patients with stroke, neurological conditions, frailty, and rehabilitation needs. It is commonly used on admission and discharge to measure change, and as part of comprehensive geriatric assessment. It assesses what the patient actually does, not what they could do.
How to interpret
- 20: Independent in basic ADLs
- 15-19: Mildly dependent - needs minimal assistance
- 10-14: Moderately dependent - requires help with several activities
- 5-9: Severely dependent - significant assistance with most activities
- 0-4: Totally dependent - full assistance required
Clinical context
This is the 20-point version of the Barthel Index (sometimes also presented as 0-100 with each item multiplied by 5). A score of 20 does not mean the patient is able to live independently - it means they are independent in basic activities of daily living. Instrumental ADLs (cooking, shopping, finances) are not assessed. The index has a ceiling effect and may not detect change in patients who are already highly functional.
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