FUNCTIONAL INDEPENDENCE AND MUSCLE STRENGTH IN ACUTE RESPIRATORY FAILURE WITH AND WITHOUT NON-INVASIVE MECHANICAL VENTILATORY SUPPORT

Purpose: Development of muscle weakness is common in the course of acute respiratory failure (ARF). This study aimed to compare muscle strength and physical function in subjects with ARF undergoing noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) added to standard medical treatment (SMT) and SMT only in the intensive care unit. Methods: Thirty-two subjects with ARF (19 NIV and 13 SMT) were included. Subject characteristics were recorded. Peripheral muscle strength was measured using the Medical Research Council Scale (MRC) and handgrip strength. Functional independence was evaluated using the Barthel Index (BI). Results: In the NIV group, proximal muscle strength (shoulder abduction) was significantly lower than distal limb strength (wrist extension) (p=0.030). In both groups, proximal lower limb strength (hip flexion) was also significantly lower than distal limb strength (ankle dorsiflexion) (p=0.002). The BI total score was significantly lower in the NIV group than that of the SMT group (p=0.016). The BI score was significantly related to the MRC sum score (r=0.633) and handgrip strength (r=0.629, p<0.05). Conclusion: Functional independence and proximal muscle strength compared to distal adversely affected in patients undergoing NIV for ARF. Weakness or functional limitations may prevent patients from functioning adequately in rehabilitation practices in intensive care.