Frenchay Activities Index (FAI)
Measures instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and social participation, focusing on actual frequency of activities performed rather than potential capability.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) was developed by Holbrook M, Skilbeck CE (1983). It is designed to measure Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). The scale is intended for use with Stroke survivors, elderly, and adults with neurological conditions.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 15 items organized into 3 factors/subscales: Domestic Chores, Outdoor Activities, Leisure/Work.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Chores | 1,2,3,4,5 | 5 |
| Outdoor Activities | 6,8,10,12 | 4 |
| Leisure/Work | 7,9,11,13,14,15 | 6 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 0 = Never / None, 1 = Rarely / Under once a week / Little, 2 = Moderately / 1-2 times a week / Moderate, 3 = Frequently / Most days / A lot / Regularly.
Scoring
Items are summed to produce a total score.
Total scores range from 0 to 45. Interpretation guidelines:
- Inactive / Low activity level: 0 – 15
- Moderately active: 16 – 30
- Highly active: 31 – 45
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of High test-retest reliability (r = 0.80 – 0.90).
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.