30 questions assessing physical function & symptoms
1. Open a tight jar
2. Write
3. Turn a key
4. Prepare a meal
5. Push open a heavy door
6. Place object on high shelf
7. Heavy household chores
8. Garden or yard work
9. Make a bed
10. Carry shopping bag
11. Carry heavy object (>10 lbs)
12. Change a light bulb overhead
13. Wash or blow-dry hair
14. Wash your back
15. Put on pullover sweater
16. Use a knife to cut food
17. Recreational activities requiring little effort
18. Recreational activities requiring some force
19. Recreational activities requiring free movement
20. Manage transportation
21. Sexual activities
22. Social activities with family/friends
23. Limited in work/study
24. Pain in arm/shoulder/hand
25. Pain during any specific activity
26. Tingling in arm/shoulder/hand
27. Weakness in arm/shoulder/hand
28. Stiffness in arm/shoulder/hand
29. Difficulty sleeping due to pain
30. Reduced confidence in arm use
Score Summary
Raw Score0
Disability Index0%
Guidelines & Evidence
Verified
Last Review: 2026-07-17
When to Use
When to Use
Upper extremity disability assessment
Fractures of upper limb
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Rotator cuff disease
Elbow pathology
Hand and wrist conditions
Work-related upper extremity disorders
How it Works
Formula
Total Score = (Sum of 30 item responses / 120) x 100
Each item scored 1-5 (1 = no difficulty, 5 = unable)
Score range: 0 (no disability) to 100 (severe disability)
At least 27 of 30 items must be completed for valid score
Clinical Pearls
Interpretation
Score
Classification
0-20
Minimal Disability
21-40
Mild Disability
41-60
Moderate Disability
61-80
Severe Disability
81-100
Very Severe Disability
Key Points
MCID: 10-15 points
Gold standard for UE disability
30 items covering physical function, symptoms, and social function
Next Steps
Clinical Actions
01
Calculate score using standardized formula
02
Compare to population norms
03
Track serial scores for treatment response
04
MCID of 10 points represents meaningful change
The Evidence
Primary Reference
Development of an upper extremity outcome measure: the DASH
Hudak PL et al. • American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 1996;29(6):602-608
Origins & History
Development
The DASH was developed by the Institute for Work and Health in Toronto, Canada, published in 1996.
Last Comprehensive Review: 2026-07-17
In Recent Clinical News
Scanning Medical Journals
No new significant updates or guidelines matching this topic were found today. We will check again soon.
