M
IMEPro
ADLs Medical Terminology
Updated March 2026

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Definition

The basic self-care tasks that an individual performs daily, including eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility. Impairment of ADLs is assessed in medical-legal evaluations to document the functional impact of permanent impairment and supports ratings for pain-related impairment under the AMA Guides.

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?

The basic self-care tasks that an individual performs daily, including eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility. Impairment of ADLs is assessed in medical-legal evaluations to document the functional impact of permanent impairment and supports ratings for pain-related impairment under the AMA Guides.

Why is activities of daily living important in workers' compensation?

Activities of Daily Living is a key medical concept in workers' compensation evaluations. Understanding this term helps physicians document findings accurately and helps attorneys and adjusters evaluate the medical aspects of a claim.