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We documented the types and degree of functional disability in 74 patients with AIDS at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Paraná, Brazil. Few of these patients are referred for rehabilitation services and there is only a limited team approach in their care. We found that 91% of the patients had some degree of functional impairment; in 81% the complaint was weakness and in 47% it was neurological involvement. According to the Barthel Index, 79% were considered functionally independent, 14% partially dependent and 7% dependent. For most of them, independence requires effort and their quality of life is reduced. Severe disability was rather unusual, while mild or moderate disability levels were not. The functional physical disability found in 21% of the patients required management by a rehabilitation team. We conclude that it is important to focus attention on the quality of life of patients with AIDS.