Which statement correctly contrasts impairment-based and activity-based goals?

Which statement correctly contrasts impairment-based and activity-based goals?

• A. Impairment-based targets function
• B. Activity-based targets focus on tasks and daily activities
• C. Impairment-based goals always capture function
• D. Activity-based goals are never aligned with patient priorities

Answer: (B)

In physical therapy, goals can target underlying impairments or the things a patient actually needs or wants to do. Activity-based targets describe what the person will be able to perform in real life—specific tasks and daily activities—so progress is measured by functional performance. This makes goals meaningful, observable in daily life, and more aligned with the patient’s priorities, guiding interventions toward practical outcomes. Impairment-based targets focus on reducing deficits like strength, range of motion, or pain. Improving an impairment doesn’t always translate into improved daily function, and such goals may not reflect what matters most to the patient. The statement that activity-based targets focus on tasks and daily activities best captures why these goals align with real-world function and patient priorities.

In physical therapy, goals can target underlying impairments or the things a patient actually needs or wants to do. Activity-based targets describe what the person will be able to perform in real life—specific tasks and daily activities—so progress is measured by functional performance. This makes goals meaningful, observable in daily life, and more aligned with the patient’s priorities, guiding interventions toward practical outcomes.

Impairment-based targets focus on reducing deficits like strength, range of motion, or pain. Improving an impairment doesn’t always translate into improved daily function, and such goals may not reflect what matters most to the patient. The statement that activity-based targets focus on tasks and daily activities best captures why these goals align with real-world function and patient priorities.