Functional capacity and muscular force of individuals in a unit of intensive surgical therapy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Post-surgical patients may present functional capacity reduction and muscle strength due to postoperative complications or hospitalization. However, so far little is known about the functional status of individuals hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). OBJECTIVE: To verify the peripheral muscular strength and the functional capacity of an individual in the postoperative period hospitalized in a surgical ICU. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study in which 72 patients admitted to the surgical ICU, aged ?18 years, of both sexes, participated in the postoperative period. Exclusion criteria were cases where patients were: hemodynamically unstable, with cognitive disorder or with limited communication that compromised the accuracy of the data record and those who refused to participate in the study. The functional capacity assessment was performed through functional independence measure, muscle strength through the Medical Research Council. RESULTS: The mean age was 51.2 ± 19 years, of which 35 (46.8%) were female. The mean functional capacity was 95.7 ± 21.3; 40 (55.6%) of the patients had modified dependence (up to 25% of the tasks) and 28 (38.9%) complete / modified independence. The median of peripheral muscle strength was 58 (48-60). The median length of ICU stay was 4 (2-7) days. The duration of mechanical ventilation was 24 hours for most of the individuals 46 (63.9%). CONCLUSION: The peripheral muscle strength of patients admitted to the surgical ICU postoperatively was not found to be altered. However, most patients had functional limitations.