Description of the Questionnaire

The NEADL (Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Index) is a questionnaire designed to assess the level of independence individuals have in performing daily life activities. It consists of 22 questions and is divided into four subcategories: mobility, domestic self-care, personal care, and social activities. It is primarily intended for adults and older individuals who face neurological or physical challenges, such as cerebrovascular accidents (stroke) or traumatic brain injuries.

Data Analysis and Use

Each question is assessed based on the individual’s ability to perform the specific activity without assistance. The responses are analyzed to produce a total functional independence score, as well as sub-scores for each category. This data is useful for identifying areas of reduced autonomy, evaluating progress after therapeutic interventions, and developing personalized rehabilitation plans.

Purpose

The main goal of the NEADL is the quantitative assessment of functional independence in everyday activities that go beyond basic needs. It is used in clinical practice for evaluation and rehabilitation planning, in research protocols to measure the effectiveness of interventions, and as a communication tool between therapists, patients, and caregivers.

Scoring

Each NEADL question is typically scored on a four-point scale (0–3), where 0 indicates the individual does not perform the activity, 1 indicates it is performed with significant assistance, 2 with some help or difficulty, and 3 fully independently. The maximum total score is 66, with higher scores indicating greater independence. Each subcategory has a different maximum score, allowing assessment of function in each domain individually.

References

Nouri FM, Lincoln NB (1987). An extended activities of daily living scale for stroke patients. Clinical Rehabilitation, 1(4), 301–305.
van Wegen EEH (2005). Dutch translation of the NEADL.
Lincoln N, Gladman J, & Walker M (1998). A randomized controlled trial of a home-based exercise program for stroke patients. Clinical Rehabilitation, 12(5), 380–387.