Barthel Index

Q: What is Barthel Index? 

Answer: The Barthel Index (BI), developed almost 55 years ago, is an index of physical dependency after stroke. It accounts for 10  basic needs: 

1. Feeding 
2. Bathing 
3. Grooming 
4. Dressing 
5. Bowels 
6. Bladder 
7. Toilet use 
8. Transfers 
9. Mobility 
10. Stairs 

• A normal score is 100
• BI more than 60 is consistent with assisted independence 
• BI less than 40 represents severe dependency  

The reason for intensivists to be aware of this scale as it correlates with infarct size and may predict outcome after stroke. Also, it is frequently used as an outcome measure for stroke trials.

#Neurology


References:

1. MAHONEY FI, BARTHEL DW. FUNCTIONAL EVALUATION: THE BARTHEL INDEX. Md State Med J 1965; 14:61. 

2. Quinn TJ, Langhorne P, Stott DJ. Barthel index for stroke trials: development, properties, and application. Stroke 2011; 42:1146. 

3. Saver JL, Johnston KC, Homer D, et al. Infarct volume as a surrogate or auxiliary outcome measure in ischemic stroke clinical trials. The RANTTAS Investigators. Stroke 1999; 30:293.

4. Huybrechts KF, Caro JJ. The Barthel Index and modified Rankin Scale as prognostic tools for long-term outcomes after stroke: a qualitative review of the literature. Curr Med Res Opin 2007; 23:1627.