Quick Answer
The Barthel Index rates 10 activities of daily living from 0 (totally dependent) to 100 (fully independent). Sanpiti measures Barthel on admission, weekly, and at discharge — patients typically gain 25–40 points over a 2.6-month intensive inpatient stay.
The 10 Items of the Barthel Index
Each item is scored in 5-point or 10-point increments depending on independence. Total range: 0–100.
- Feeding (0–10)
- Bathing (0–5)
- Grooming (0–5)
- Dressing (0–10)
- Bowel control (0–10)
- Bladder control (0–10)
- Toilet use (0–10)
- Transfers — bed to chair (0–15)
- Mobility on level surface (0–15)
- Stairs (0–10)
How to Interpret the Score
Common clinical bands used worldwide:
- 0–20 — Total dependence
- 21–60 — Severe dependence
- 61–90 — Moderate dependence
- 91–99 — Slight dependence
- 100 — Fully independent in basic ADLs
Why Barthel Drives Rehab Decisions
Barthel is the most predictive single measure of discharge destination, caregiver burden, and long-term outcome after stroke. Weekly Barthel tracking turns invisible recovery into a visible trajectory — for patients, families, and physicians.
Sanpiti Barthel Tracking
Every Sanpiti patient receives a baseline Barthel within 48 hours of admission and a re-assessment every 7 days. Trajectories are shared with the family and published anonymously on the outcomes page as part of our commitment to transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good Barthel Index score after stroke?
Any improvement of 5+ points is clinically meaningful. A discharge Barthel of 70+ generally indicates safe return home; 90+ indicates near-independence in basic ADLs.
How often should Barthel be measured?
Best practice is at admission, weekly during inpatient rehab, at discharge, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Sanpiti follows this schedule for every stroke patient.
What is the difference between Barthel and Modified Barthel Index?
The Modified Barthel Index (MBI) uses a 5-level rating per item for finer detail. Both correlate strongly; Sanpiti uses the original 0–100 Barthel for international comparability.
How much can the Barthel Index improve with rehab?
Sanpiti patients gain a median 25–40 points over a 2.6-month intensive inpatient stay (2–3 sessions/day). Greater gains correlate with earlier start and higher therapy intensity.
See Real Barthel Trajectories
Sanpiti publishes anonymized weekly Barthel data so families can see exactly how recovery accelerates with intensive 2–3 session/day inpatient rehab.