The DASH score test

This questionnaire is designed to assess both your symptoms and your ability to carry out specific activities. Please respond to every question based on your condition over the past week. If you haven't had the chance to perform a particular activity during that time, do your best to estimate how you would have managed it. Your responses should reflect your overall ability, regardless of which hand or arm you typically use to complete the task.

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At Panacea Therapy Co., we utilize the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) assessment—a trusted and standardized tool developed to measure the functional impact of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the upper extremities.

Originally published in 1996 in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, the DASH was created through a collaborative effort by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Council of Musculoskeletal Specialty Societies, and the Institute for Work and Health.

This 30-item self-reported questionnaire uses a 5-point Likert scale to evaluate a patient’s ability to perform daily tasks and the severity of their symptoms. Scores range from 0 (indicating no disability) to 100 (indicating the most severe disability), making it a valuable tool across a wide range of upper limb conditions. At Panacea, we rely on this evidence-based measure to guide treatment plans and track progress in restoring strength, mobility, and function.

At Panacea Therapy Co., our use of the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) assessment is grounded in a strong foundation of peer-reviewed research and clinical validation.

Original Literature
The DASH was first introduced in the landmark study by Hudak et al. (1996), “Development of an upper extremity outcome measure: the DASH,” published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine. This foundational work laid the groundwork for a comprehensive tool to measure functional outcomes in individuals with upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions.

Validation Literature
Beaton et al. (2001) expanded on the DASH’s clinical utility in their study, “Measuring the whole or the parts? Validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the DASH outcome measure in different regions of the upper extremity,” published in Journal of Hand Therapy. This research confirmed the DASH’s strong validity, reliability, and responsiveness across various segments of the upper limb, reinforcing its effectiveness in clinical and rehabilitative settings.

Additional Literature
Further comparative research by Angst et al. (2011), featured in Arthritis Care & Research, evaluated the DASH and its abbreviated version (QuickDASH) alongside other widely used shoulder function measures. Their study confirmed the DASH’s standing as a robust, patient-centered outcome measure among tools like SPADI, ASES, SST, OSS, and WOSI.

At Panacea, we integrate this evidence-based assessment as part of our commitment to precision, progress tracking, and personalized upper extremity rehabilitation.

At Panacea Therapy Co., we recognize and value the contributions of leading researchers whose work has shaped the tools we use in clinical practice.

Dr. Claire Bombardier is a distinguished figure in the field of rheumatology and health outcomes research. She serves as the Director of the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Toronto, the Director of Clinical Decision Making and Health Care Division at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, and is a senior scientist at the Institute for Work and Health. Her expertise has been instrumental in the development and validation of outcome measures like the DASH questionnaire.

To explore Dr. Bombardier’s extensive body of research, you can view her publications on PubMed.

Please rate how well you were able to perform the following activities over the past week:

Open a tight or new jar.(Required)
Write.(Required)
Turn a key.(Required)
Prepare a meal.(Required)
Push open a heavy door.(Required)
Place an object on a shelf above your head.(Required)
Do heavy household chores (e.g., wash walls, wash floors)(Required)
Garden or do yard work.(Required)
Make a bed.(Required)
Carry a shopping bag or briefcase(Required)
Carry a heavy object (over 10 lbs).(Required)
Change a lightbulb overhead.(Required)
Wash or blow dry your hair.(Required)
Wash your back.(Required)
Put on a pullover sweater.(Required)
Use a knife to cut food.(Required)
Recreational activities which require little effort (e.g., cardplaying, knitting, etc.).(Required)
Recreational activities in which you take some force or impact through your arm, shoulder or hand (eg golf, hammering, tennis, etc)(Required)
Recreational activities in which you move your arm freely (eg playing frisbee, badminton, etc)(Required)
Manage transportation needs (getting from one place to another).(Required)
Sexual activities.(Required)
During the past week, to what extent has your arm, shoulder or hand problem interfered with your normal social activities with family, friends, neighbours or groups?(Required)
During the past week, were you limited in your work or other regular daily activities as a result of your arm, shoulder or hand problem(Required)
Arm, shoulder or hand pain.(Required)
Tingling (pins and needles) in your arm, shoulder or hand.(Required)
Weakness in your arm, shoulder or hand.(Required)
Stiffness in your arm, shoulder or hand.(Required)
During the past week, how much difficulty have you had sleeping because of the pain in your arm, shoulder or hand?(Required)
I feel less capable, less confident or less useful because of my arm, shoulder or hand problem.(Required)
Name
Consent
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