Duke Activity Status Index Calculator
Use our free Duke activity status index Calculator to get personalized health results. Based on validated medical formulas and clinical guidelines.
Reviewed by Rahul Singh, Health & Wellness Specialist
Formula
DASI = Sum of activity weights; VO2peak = 0.43 x DASI + 9.6
The DASI sums weighted values for 12 activities the patient can perform. Estimated VO2peak in mL/kg/min = 0.43 x DASI score + 9.6. METs = VO2peak / 3.5. A functional capacity of 4 METs or greater indicates adequate capacity for most surgical procedures.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Preoperative Assessment - Good Capacity
Problem:A 62-year-old patient scheduled for elective hip replacement reports being able to: walk indoors, walk more than 2 blocks, climb stairs without stopping, do light housework, do yard work, and play golf.
Solution:Walk indoors: 1.75\nWalk >2 blocks: 5.50\nClimb stairs without stopping: 8.00\nLight housework: 2.70\nYard work: 4.50\nModerate recreation (golf): 6.00\nTotal DASI = 28.45\nEstimated VO2 = 0.43 x 28.45 + 9.6 = 21.8 mL/kg/min\nEstimated METs = 21.8 / 3.5 = 6.2 METs
Result:DASI: 28.5 | 6.2 METs (>4 METs: adequate for surgery without further cardiac testing)
Example 2: Heart Failure Patient - Poor Capacity
Problem:A 74-year-old heart failure patient can only perform personal care, walk indoors, and do light housework. Unable to walk a full block without dyspnea.
Solution:Personal care: 2.75\nWalk indoors: 1.75\nLight housework: 2.70\nTotal DASI = 7.20\nEstimated VO2 = 0.43 x 7.20 + 9.6 = 12.7 mL/kg/min\nEstimated METs = 12.7 / 3.5 = 3.6 METs
Result:DASI: 7.2 | 3.6 METs (<4 METs: poor capacity, further cardiac evaluation warranted before surgery)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Duke Activity Status Index and what does it measure?
The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) is a validated 12-item self-administered questionnaire that estimates functional capacity based on a patient ability to perform common daily activities. Developed by Hlatky and colleagues at Duke University in 1989, it provides a weighted numerical score ranging from 0 (unable to perform any activities) to 58.2 (able to perform all activities). The DASI correlates well with peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) measured during cardiopulmonary exercise testing, which is the gold standard for functional capacity assessment. The index is particularly useful in preoperative risk assessment, heart failure monitoring, cardiac rehabilitation progress tracking, and general functional status evaluation in patients with cardiovascular disease.
References
- Hlatky MA, et al. A brief self-administered questionnaire to determine functional capacity (the Duke Activity Status Index). Am J Cardiol. 1989;64(10):651-654.
- Fleisher LA, et al. 2014 ACC/AHA Guideline on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation. Circulation. 2014;130(24):e278-e333.
- Wijeysundera DN, et al. Assessment of functional capacity before major non-cardiac surgery. Lancet. 2018;391(10140):2631-2640.
Reviewed by Rahul Singh, Health & Wellness Specialist · Editorial policy