Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) — Functional Capacity Quiz
Yes/no items about ability to perform daily and recreational activities to estimate functional capacity.
The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) is a quick, evidence-based self-assessment used in the Fitness and Exercise category to estimate your functional capacity and exercise tolerance by asking yes/no questions about common daily and recreational activities. This DASI quiz helps you and your healthcare or fitness professional understand your ability to perform everyday tasks, identify potential limitations in cardiovascular or musculoskeletal fitness, and set realistic goals for improving functional capacity.
Completing this DASI quiz takes only a few minutes and provides an easy-to-interpret score. The results can guide safe exercise prescription, help monitor progress after rehabilitation, and support conversations with clinicians about cardiovascular health, endurance, and daily activity capability. Use this tool to track change over time and to prioritize targeted fitness interventions tailored to your needs.
Can you take care of yourself (bathing, dressing, grooming) without assistance?
Basic activities of daily living reflect minimal functional capacity.
Can you walk indoors and move around your home without difficulty?
Ability to ambulate inside the house indicates baseline mobility and balance.
Can you walk one block on level ground without stopping?
Short-distance walking tests endurance and cardiopulmonary tolerance.
Can you climb a flight of stairs or walk up a moderate hill without stopping?
Stair or hill climbing requires higher aerobic capacity and leg strength.
Can you run a short distance (for example, to catch a bus)?
Short bursts of higher intensity activity reflect higher functional capacity.
Can you do light household tasks such as washing dishes or dusting?
Light housework indicates ability to perform low-intensity daily work.
Can you perform moderate household or yard work (moving furniture, raking leaves)?
Moderate domestic tasks require sustained effort and muscle endurance.
Can you participate in strenuous recreational activities (tennis, swimming, downhill skiing)?
Strenuous recreational ability suggests good cardiovascular fitness.
Can you engage in sexual activity without limitations?
Sexual activity is a common functional capacity indicator used in clinical assessments.
Can you do heavy work around the house (shoveling snow, moving heavy objects)?
Heavy domestic tasks require strength and aerobic capacity.
Can you do shopping and carry groceries without difficulty?
Carrying groceries combines endurance, grip strength, and balance.
Can you participate in regular sports or exercise of moderate effort (jogging, cycling, brisk walking)?
Regular moderate exercise participation indicates higher functional capacity.
Frequently asked questions
The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) is a short, validated questionnaire used to estimate functional capacity and exercise tolerance. It asks whether you can perform specific daily and recreational activities and is commonly used in Fitness and Exercise and clinical settings to assess cardiovascular and functional status.
This DASI quiz typically takes 2–5 minutes to complete. It consists of yes/no questions about common activities and requires only self-reporting of your current ability to perform each task.
The DASI score is the sum of positive responses (Yes answers). Higher scores indicate better functional capacity. Use the provided interpretation bands (very low, low, moderate, high) as a general guide. Always discuss concerning findings or symptoms with a healthcare professional.
No. The DASI is a screening and monitoring tool that gives an estimate of functional capacity but does not replace objective clinical tests (like cardiopulmonary exercise testing) or a medical evaluation. Use it as a complement to professional assessment.
Adults who want a quick, standardized estimate of their ability to perform daily and recreational activities can take the DASI. It is useful for people beginning or progressing an exercise program, those recovering from illness, or anyone monitoring changes in functional capacity. If you have unstable symptoms, consult your clinician first.
For tracking progress, retake the DASI every 4–8 weeks after starting a new exercise regimen or treatment. If you experience changes in symptoms or health status, retake the quiz sooner and review results with your healthcare provider.
Related quizzes
Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ) — Fitness and Exercise Sitting Habits Test
Multiple-choice time bands across sedentary activities to profile sitting behavior.
Exercise Stages of Change Questionnaire (Physical Activity SOC) — Fitness & Exercise Self-Classification
Categorical self-classification into precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action or maintenance.
Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (Categorized Version) — Fitness and Exercise Assessment
Multiple-choice frequency bands for light, moderate and vigorous sessions to classify activity level.
Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE) Quiz — Measure Your Confidence to Maintain Fitness
Likert options measuring confidence in maintaining exercise under challenging conditions.
Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2/3) — Exercise Motivation Quiz
Likert-scale assessment of exercise motivation across amotivation to intrinsic regulation.
Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11 / TSK-17) — Fear of Movement Assessment for Fitness & Rehabilitation
Likert-scale measure of fear of movement or re-injury that can limit exercise participation.