Physical functional profile of hospitalized Brazilian older adults in preoperative vascular surgery

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to describe the physical and functioning profile of Brazilian older adults admitted to avascular surgery wards (VSW). This is an observational and cross-sectional study using patients admitted to VSW. The study included subjects considered able to (group 1, G1) or restricted to physical and functional assessment (group 2, G2). Barthel index (BI) was evaluated in G1 and G2 groups, while hand grip strength (HGS), Timed up and Go (TUG), maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP respectively) were assessed only in G1. The data of a total of 104 older adults (G1=56 and G2=48) were analyzed. Most patients had good bed mobility (83.9% in G1 and 75% in G2). There were significant difference between the predicted values and the recorded values obtained for MIP, MEP and HGS (P<0.0001). Pearson correlation showed a significant association between HGS and TUG (P=0.005/r= –0.384) and MEP and TUG (P=0.009/r= –0.353). In conclusion, hospitalized older adults able to perform functional tests showed reduced HGS, MIP and MEP, as well as moderate risk of falls. There was also an association of peripheral muscle strength and expiratory muscle strength with functional mobility evaluated by TUG.