Abstract:
Introduction – Reduced mobility compromises the functionality of hospitalised patients,
resulting in respiratory changes, reduced peripheral muscle strength and reduced mobility.
Conducting a functional assessment of patients admitted to the ICU and UI is essential to
support physiotherapeutic interventions, improve resource and workforce management, and
develop personalised mobilisation protocols. Objectives – To analyse respiratory function,
peripheral muscle strength, and mobility, both measured and predicted, in hospitalised
patients. Methods – This analytical, cross-sectional study evaluated respiratory function,
peripheral muscle strength, and mobility in 46 adult patients (≥ 18 years) admitted to the
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Inpatient Unit (UI) of a University Hospital in Salvador
between December 2024 and January 2025. The sample selection considered the different
clinical and functional profiles of the patients. Data collection began after signing the Free
and Informed Consent Form (FICF). Results – A total of 46 patients were evaluated, 22 in the
ICU and 24 in the UI, considering their demographic, anthropometric, and clinical profiles, as
well as physiotherapy diagnoses and length of hospital stay. There was a predominance of
male patients in both units, with an average age exceeding 60 years in the ICU. In the analysis
of the difference between the measured and predicted respiratory functional variables, it is
noted that only the difference in FVC is statistically significant in the ICU and UI. The
mobility analysis showed a significant improvement in ICU patients (53%) throughout their
hospitalisation, evidenced by the increase in the FSS score. Conclusion – FVC was the only
respiratory variable with a statistically significant difference. ICU patients demonstrated
significant improvement in MRC, FSS and IMS scale scores, indicating a functional gain
throughout their hospitalisation. In addition, it was clear that the functional condition at
hospital admission directly impacts the degree of functionality throughout the hospitalisation.
