EVALUATION OF THE MANUAL HOLD STRENGTH AND FUNCTIONAL INDEPENDENCE IN PATIENTS WITH DECOMPENSED HEART FAILURE

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the handgrip strength and level of functional independence of hospitalized patients with decompensated heart failure. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, with 30 decompensated HF patients admitted to the emergency room and medical clinic of a large public hospital. The data were collected through a clinical evaluation form for data recording. Functionality assessment was performed using the barthel index. The handgrip strength was measured by a hydraulic dynamometer. Results: The handgrip strength is preserved and higher than expected (52.80 ± 23.00 vs 31.87 ± 6.20, p <0.05). The degree of moderate dependence was represented by 18 (60%) of the sample. There is a correlation between HGS and the level of functional independence for intestinal eliminations (r = 0.5), bladder eliminations (r = 0.49), use of the toilet (r = 0.40), ambulation (r = 0, 37), use of stairs (r = 0.48), and total barthel index (r = 0.56) (p <0.05). The comparison between profile B and profile C groups regarding clinical variables does not differ. Conclusion: visitors with decompensated HF have a degree of dependence from mild to moderate and preserved handgrip strength, similar between HGS and functional independence. Between profiles B and C there are no differences in relation to barthel index and handgrip strength.