The Barthel Index is a scale that measures disability or dependence in activities of daily living in stroke patients.^�

Guidelines for use of the Barthel Index are as follows:

• The index should be used as a record of what a patient does, not as a record of what a patient could do.

• The main goal is to establish degree of independence from any help, physical or verbal, however minor and for whatever reason.^�

• The need for supervision renders the patient not independent.

• A patient’s performance should be established using the best available evidence. The patient, friends/relatives, and nurses are usually asked for the information gathered, but direct observation and common sense are also important. However, direct testing is not needed.

• Usually, the patient’s performance over the preceding 24-48 hours is important, but longer periods are occasionally relevant.

• Middle categories imply that the patient supplies over 50% of the effort.

• Use of aids to be independent is allowed.