Impact of mechanical ventilation time on functional capacity and muscular strength of patients under intensive care

Abstract

Introduction: A prolonged assisted ventilation (AV) period might induce complications. Objective: To compare functional capacities and muscle strength of patients under AV. Methods: This is a prospective cohort observational study. The patients selected were under mechanical ventilation in any given moment, and they were evaluated only at the time of discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU). The convenience sample of 103 was selected and divided into a group with up to six days of AV (G6) and another with seven days or more of AV (G7). The protocol proposed was: application of the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, dynamometry, Barthel index, ability to ambulate at ICU discharge. A call was made to the patients six and 12 months after hospital discharge for the application of the Barthel index. Results: We verified that G6 patients obtained better muscular strength measured through right 14 (8–30) and left 18 (8–26) dynamometry and MRC scale 48 (44–56). Only seven (14%) patients from the G7 group were able to ambulate. G7 patients showed greater functional loss at hospital discharge 32 (15–60). After one year of hospital discharge, both groups had recovered their functional capacity 100 (100–100). Conclusion: When evaluating the process of AV, it is possible to conclude that the longer the ventilator is used, the greater the loss of strength and functionality. In addition, there is a significant recovery of functionality after one year of hospital discharge.