Which assessment tool is commonly used to evaluate functional mobility?

The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is extensively used to evaluate functional mobility because it assesses a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), which include both mobility and self-care tasks. The FIM is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of an individual's daily functional capabilities, covering areas such as self-care, sphincter control, mobility, locomotion, communication, and social cognition. This tool is particularly valuable in rehabilitation settings, as it helps gauge improvement over time and guides planning for further rehabilitation interventions.

While the Timed Up and Go Test is also related to mobility, it primarily assesses the time it takes for an individual to stand up from a seated position, walk a short distance, and return to the chair, focusing more on dynamic mobility and balance rather than a broader range of functional abilities. Similarly, the Berg Balance Scale specifically evaluates balance, and although balance is a crucial aspect of mobility, it does not encompass the full spectrum of functional independence like the FIM does. The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living evaluates more basic self-care tasks but does not provide a comprehensive view of overall functional mobility. Thus, the FIM stands out as the more holistic tool for evaluating functional mobility and independence.