title: Measurement of muscle strength with handheld dynamometer in Intensive Care Unit.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intensive Care Unit (ICU) acquired weakness is a common complication in critically ill patients affecting their prognosis. The handheld dynamometry is an objective method in detecting minimum muscle strength change, which has an impact on the physical function of ICU survivors. The minimal change in the force can be measured in units of weight such as pounds or kilograms.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To detect the changes in peripheral muscle strength with handheld dynamometer in the early stage of ICU stay and to observe the progression of muscle weakness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three upper and three lower limb muscles force measured with handheld dynamometer during ICU stay. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to detect changes in force generated by muscle on alternate days of ICU stay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a reduction in peripheral muscle strength from day 3 to day 5 as well from day 5 to day 7 of ICU stay (P < 0.01). The average reduction in peripheral muscle strength was 11.8% during ICU stay.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed a progressive reduction in peripheral muscle strength as measured by handheld dynamometer during early period of ICU stay.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Nidhi R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Samosawala
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vaishali
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: B Chakravarthy
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Kalyana
keywords: Critical care units; critical illness polyneuromyopathy; immobilization; objective assessment; physiotherapy