Schwab and England ADL scale


The Schwab and England ADL scale is a method of assessing the capabilities of people suffering from impaired mobility. Originally presented at a Parkinson's disease conference, the scale assesses the difficulties patients have completing daily activities or chores. The scale uses percentages to represent how much effort and dependence on others patients need complete daily chores. The rating may be given by a professional or by the person being tested.
The scale was first presented in 1968 at Third Symposium on Parkinson's Disease, Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, by co-authors R.S. Schwab and A.C. England.

The scale


Percentage of independenceDescriptionAwareness of difficulties
100%;
Completely independent		Able to do all chores without slowness, difficulty or impairment.Unaware
90%;
Completely independent		Able to do all chores, but with some degree of slowness, difficulty and/or impairment. One might take two times longer than normal to complete chores.Somewhat aware
80%;
Usually completely independent		Takes two times longer than normal to complete chores.Aware
70%;
Mostly independent		Faces more difficulty with some chores. One spends a large part of the day with chores and might take three to four times longer than normal.Aware
60%;
Somewhat independent		Can do most chores, but exceedingly slowly and with much effort. Errors are possible during the chores.Aware
50%;
Mostly dependent		Needs help with half of every chore. Everything is difficult to one.Aware
40%;
Very dependent		Can assist with chores, and can complete some alone.Aware
30%;
Very dependent		With help, can start chores. One can also complete few chores with effort and help.Aware
20%;
Very dependent		Can slightly help with chores, but cannot complete any alone.Aware
10%;
Fully dependent		Is helpless and somewhat comatose.Aware
0%;
Fully dependent		Is bedridden and helpless. One is almost completely comatose.Aware