Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH)

The DASH is a self-report survey measuring physical function and symptoms in the upper limbs. It helps clinicians track recovery for patients with arm, shoulder, and hand conditions.

Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) PDF form for upper extremity assessment
DASH

Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH)

The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) is a 30-item self-report tool measuring physical function and symptoms in upper limb disorders. It helps clinicians track recovery and assess how well a patient performs daily tasks, making it a key resource for accurate orthopaedic assessments.

Category

Physical health
Movement System
Rehabilitation

Disease

Assessment
Rehabilitation
Clinical Measurement
Quality of Life

Source

(Upper Extremity Collaborative Group, 1996)

Author Name

Hudak, P.L., Amadio, P.C. & Bombardier, C. (1996)

What is Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH)

The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) is a trusted outcome measure for assessing upper limb function and tracking recovery. This 30-item self-report survey treats the whole arm as a single functional unit. It covers a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries effectively across the upper extremity. Patients rate their ability to perform daily tasks plus the severity of symptoms like pain or tingling. They use a simple five-point scale ranging from no difficulty to unable to perform the activity. These scores are then converted to a scale out of one hundred to show disability levels. Clinicians can also use optional modules for work or sports to get a clearer picture of specific demands. It is great for monitoring changes over time in clinical settings. The DASH helps you understand the impact of treatment on a patient's daily life and guides better care decisions.

DASH Scoring

The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) is scored using a standard calculation method. You assign values from 1 to 5 for the 30 items, where 1 means no difficulty and 5 means unable to do the task. To get the Disability/Symptom score, sum the responses, subtract 30, and divide by 1.20. This gives a result between 0 and 100, where higher numbers mean more disability. You need at least 27 answers to make the maths work. Optional work or sports modules are scored separately to help clinicians track specific functional limits.

View scoring form

Advantages

Condition versatility

Applicable across multiple diseases and conditions.

Outcome tracking

Measures healthcare intervention results systematically.

Research validity

Strengthens evidence through systematic measurement approaches.

Global standards

Meets international clinical assessment requirements.

10
Minutes
30
Questions

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