Measuring muscle strength in critically ill patients and healthy individuals in Brazil

Analysis of Peripheral Muscle Strength Measurement Methods in Healthy Individuals and Critical Patients: A Health Technology Assessment

Observational University of Pernambuco · NCT06296381

This study is trying to find out how strong muscles are in critically ill patients and healthy people in Brazil to help set standard measures for muscle strength.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pernambuco Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Recife, Brazil and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06296381 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to establish normative values for peripheral muscle strength in both critically ill patients and healthy individuals in Brazil. It will involve adult and elderly participants, assessing muscle strength using handheld dynamometers and evaluating mobility status in ICU patients. The study will also collect secondary data from medical records to correlate muscle strength with various health indicators. The goal is to create standardized reference equations and cutoff points for different demographics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults and elderly individuals aged 18 to 90, both healthy and those admitted to the ICU without recent muscle injuries.

Not a fit: Patients with severe osteoporosis, neuromuscular diseases, or those unable to follow commands may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide critical benchmarks for assessing muscle strength in patients, potentially improving outcomes in critical care settings.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have been conducted, this specific approach to establish normative values for the Brazilian population is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy individuals of both sexes
* Patients and volunteers aged between 18 and 90 years old (youth/adults/elderly).
* Patients admitted to the ICU.
* No recent muscle injuries of both limbs for a past 6-months.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients and volunteers \< 20 years and \> 90 years

Healthy individuals

* Unable to follow command completely
* Severe osteoporosis or neuromuscular disease leading to decreased muscle strength
* Presence of opened or infectious wound
* Presence of pain in evaluating muscle groups

Patients in ICU

* Unable to follow command completely
* Acute stroke
* Hip fracture, unstable cervical spine or pathological fracture
* Recent surgery involving the upper airways, chest, abdomen, or limbs
* Presence of opened or infectious wound
* Presence of pain in evaluating muscle groups

Where this trial is running

Recife, Brazil and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Intensive Care UnitMuscle StrengthHealthy VolunteersCritically illPeripheral muscle
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.