Original Article: PDF OnlyThe Barthel Index and Other Indices of Functional AbilityJacelon, Cynthia S. MS RN1 Author Information 1 Manchester, NH. Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Catholic Medical Center Rehabilitation Nursing Journal: July 1986 - Volume 11 - Issue 4 - p 9-11 doi: 10.1002/j.2048-7940.1986.tb00995.x Buy Metrics Abstract The Barthel Index was developed in 1965 by Mahoney and Barthel (1965). The instrument was designed to measure functional ability in daily activities. Since that time, validity and reliability have been measured in a variety of settings. Granger & Greer (1976) adapted the original tool to reflect a more sensitive measure of functional ability and have used the instrument in several studies. A review of the literature pertaining to the studies using the Barthel Index is presented. The studies indicating the validity and reliability of the instrument are discussed first, then studies comparing various indices of functional ability, and finally those studies that compare the Barthel to other measures of disability are presented. © 1986 Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.
