Información del artículo
Resumen
La debilidad adquirida en la Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo (DA-UCI) es una complicación frecuente y multifactorial en adultos críticamente enfermos, caracterizada por pérdida acelerada de masa muscular, atrofia de fibras tipo II y disminución del desempeño funcional. Esta condición limita la independencia, deteriora la calidad de vida y puede generar secuelas persistentes tras el egreso hospitalario. Con el propósito de sintetizar la evidencia disponible sobre métodos y medidas para la evaluación del desempeño muscular periférico (DMp), se realizó una revisión de alcance utilizando las bases de datos PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS.) y Google Académico. Los términos de búsqueda incluyeron «adult», «intensive care units», «muscle skeletal», «muscle weakness» y «muscular atrophy». La búsqueda arrojó 356 artículos, y de acuerdo con los criterios de selección se incluyeron 40 estudios. Las pruebas más utilizadas incluyen el Medical Research Council Sum Score (MRC-SS) y la prensión manual, aplicadas principalmente en fases de despertar y egreso de UCI. La ultrasonografía (US) y la tomografía computarizada (TC) se consolidan como herramientas objetivas para medir grosor y área muscular, incluso en pacientes sedados; se propone la valoración de la movilidad e independencia funcional con instrumentos como el Functional Status Score for the ICU (FSS-ICU), ICU Mobility Scale (IMS) e índice de Barthel. Otros métodos innovadores se postulan como propuestas para la evaluación del DMp. Los estudios evidencian heterogeneidad en los métodos de evaluación y temporalidad, demostrando la necesidad de validar pruebas, construir protocolos, guías de atención y capacitación continua, orientando los esfuerzos a una atención humanizada y de calidad que favorezca la recuperación funcional del individuo.
Palabras clave:
Debilidad adquirida en UCI
Desempeño muscular periférico
Evaluación funcional
Ultrasonografía muscular
Cuidado crítico
Abstract
Acquired weakness in the intensive care unit (ICU-AW) is a frequent and multifactorial complication in critically ill adults, characterized by accelerated loss of muscle mass, type II fiber atrophy, and decreased functional performance. This condition limits independence, worsens quality of life, and may generate persistent sequelae after hospital discharge. With the aim of synthesizing the available evidence on methods and measures for evaluating peripheral muscle performance (PMP), a scoping review was conducted using the databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Google Scholar. Search terms included “adult,” “intensive care units,” “muscle skeletal,” “muscle weakness,” and “muscular atrophy.” The search yielded 356 articles, and according to the selection criteria, 40 studies were included. The most commonly used tests were the MRC-sum score (MRC-SS) and handgrip strength, applied mainly during awakening phases and ICU discharge. Ultrasound and computed tomography have become established as objective tools to measure muscle thickness and cross-sectional area, even in sedated patients. Functional mobility and independence assessments—such as the FSS-ICU, IMS, and Barthel Index—are proposed as complementary instruments. Other innovative methods have also been suggested for evaluating PMP. The studies show heterogeneity in evaluation methods and timing, demonstrating the need to validate tests, develop protocols, care guidelines, and continuous training programs, directing efforts toward humanized, high-quality care that supports patients’ functional recovery.
Keywords:
ICU acquired weakness
Peripheral muscle performance
Functional assessment
Muscle ultrasound
Critical care
Artículo
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