The objective of the study was to assess the utility of the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) to measure instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and functional recovery in stroke patients compared to other measures such as Barthel Index (BI) and Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS). A cross-sectional descriptive analysis design was done. Ninety stroke survivors (41 women, 49 men; mean age 68 years) discharged from the Stroke Unit at San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, were assessed by BI at discharge and by BI and FAI 1-year after stroke. At discharge, 40% had total or severe disability (BI < or =60) and at 1-year 11.1%. FAI (mean value 36 +/ 11) correlated with Barthel index, capacity for walking, strength in upper limb and total SSS 1-year after stroke (p < 0.0001). Fifty-two per cent of stroke patients became independent in their ADL during the first year. BI was the strongest predictor of independence in FAI Social activities-category.