By using this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. To find out more visit our privacy policy.
Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
Summary
What it measures:
Provides a uniform system of measurement for disability based on the International Classification of Impairment, Disabilities and Handicaps; measures the level of a patient's disability and indicates how much assistance is required for the individual to carry out activities of daily living.
Target Population:
People with:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Geriatrics
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Orthopedic conditions including low back pain
- Spinal cord injury (SCI)
- Stroke
Recommendations from the Neurology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association's StrokEDGE Taskforce, MS EDGE Taskforce, SCI EDGE Taskforce, and the TBI EDGE Taskforce. These recommendations were developed by a panel of research and clinical experts using a modified Delphi process.
For detailed information about how recommendations were made, please visit: http://www.neuropt.org/go/healthcare-professionals/neurology-section-outcome-measures-recommendations
|
Abbreviations: |
|
|
HR |
Highly recommend |
|
R |
Recommend |
|
LS / UR |
Reasonable to use, but limited study in target group / Unable to recommend |
|
NR |
Not recommended |
Recommendations for use based on acuity level of the patient:
|
|
Acute (CVA <2 mo post) (SCI <1 mo post) |
Subacute (CVA 2-6 mo) (SCI 3-6 mo) |
Chronic (>6 mo) |
|
StrokEDGE |
HR |
UR |
UR |
|
SCI EDGE |
R |
R |
R |
Recommendations based on level of care in which the assessment is taken:
|
|
Acute Care |
Inpatient Rehabilitation |
Skilled Nursing Facility |
Outpatient Rehabilitation |
Home Health |
|
StrokEDGE |
UR |
HR |
UR |
UR |
UR |
|
MS EDGE |
NR |
R |
R |
NR |
NR |
|
TBI EDGE |
LS |
R |
LS |
LS |
LS |
Recommendations based on SCI AIS Classification:
|
|
AIS A/B |
AIS C/D |
|
SCI EDGE |
R |
R |
Recommendations for use based on ambulatory status after brain injury:
|
|
Completely Independent |
Mildly dependent |
Moderately Dependent |
Severely Dependent |
|
TBI EDGE |
LS |
R |
R |
R |
Recommendations based on EDSS Classification:
|
|
EDSS 0.0-3.5 |
EDSS 4.0-5.5 |
EDSS 6.0-7.5 |
EDSS 8.0-9.5 |
|
MS EDGE |
R |
R |
R |
R |
Recommendations for entry-level physical therapy education and use in research:
|
|
Students should learn to administer this tool? (Y/N) |
Students should be exposed to tool? (Y/N) |
Is this tool appropriate for use in intervention research studies? (Y/N) |
|
StrokEDGE |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
SCI EDGE |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
MS EDGE |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
TBI EDGE |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Members Only Content
Join APTA to get unlimited access to content including evidence-based research, guidance on payment changes, and other resources to help you thrive. Learn more about membership benefits.
Already a member? Log in
Date: October 7, 2014
Contact: practice@apta.org
Content Type: Test & Measure
Paul Mintken, PT, Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
You Might Also Like...
CPG
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries Clinical Practice GuidelineAug 18, 2025
This updated guideline provides recommendations on the management of patients with rotator cuff tears.