Klein & Bell Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Index

Description: A measure of ADL independence for both children and adults [1].

Format:  170 items covering 6 domains: dressing, mobility, elimination, bathing and hygiene, eating, and emergency communication.

Scoring: Each subtask is weighted on a scale from 1 to 3 while considering four factors: importance to health, difficulty for non-disabled persons, time required to perform it, and associated burden of care giving. The total score can range from 0 to 313, with higher scores reflecting greater independence.

Administration and Burden: Interviewer-administered; 1-3 hours to administer.

Psychometrics for SCI: The Klein & Bell has been shown to be a valid and reliable measure for SCI [2].

Languages: English, Spanish.

QoL Concept: The Klein & Bell ADL Index measures independence in performing Activities of Daily Living, which corresponds to Box C (achievements; activities of daily living) of Dijker’s Model.

Permissions/Where to Obtain: Copyrighted; The Klein & Bell ADL Index can be obtained from:

**CLICK ON THE LISTED SECONDARY HEALTH CONDITIONS ON THE RIGHT TO READ HOW THE ADL INDEX HAS BEEN USED WITH A PARTICULAR CONDITION**

References:

1. Klein RM, Bell B. The Klein and Bell ADL Scale Manual. In: Washington Uo, editor. Seattle, WA: Educational Resources; 1979.
2. Dahlgren A, Karlsson A-K, Lundgren Nilsson Å, Fridén J, Claesson L. Activity performance and upper extremity function in cervical spinal cord injury patients according to the Klein-Bell ADL Scale. Spinal Cord 2007;45:475-84.