Tracking changes in physical strength for adults in the ICU

Assessment of Physical Function in Critically Ill Patients With the Chelsea Critical Care Assessment Tool (CPAX)

We will test whether changes in the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool (CPAx) score between ICU admission and discharge can predict outcomes like death and how long adults need mechanical ventilation.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 186 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro)
• Trial ID: NCT07191743 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, longitudinal observational study at the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital general ICU that follows critically ill adult patients during their ICU stay. Demographic and clinical data (age, sex, admission cause, comorbidities, SOFA, SAPS III, Charlson index) and treatments (invasive/noninvasive ventilation, HFNC, renal replacement therapy, extubation/reintubation) are collected. CPAx assessments are performed at ICU admission and again at ICU discharge to measure functional change. The study analyzes whether variation in CPAx scores predicts clinical outcomes including mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, and lengths of ICU and hospital stay.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) admitted to the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital general ICU with an expected ICU stay of at least 48 hours who can have CPAx recorded within the first 48 hours and at discharge are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients likely not to benefit include pregnant individuals, patients with preexisting neuromuscular or neurological disorders causing generalized weakness, ICU readmissions, or those with ICU stays under 48 hours or missing CPAx measurements.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians identify patients at higher risk of death or prolonged ventilation so they can target rehabilitation and care earlier.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have used the CPAx to measure physical function in ICU populations and shown correlations with functional outcomes, but its predictive value for mortality and ventilator duration is still being clarified.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria: All adult patients admitted to the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital (HUPE) General ICU over 18 years of age and with an ICU stay greater than or equal to 48 hours will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Inability to record the CPAx score within the first 48 hours of ICU admission or on the day of ICU discharge
* ICU readmission
* Known comorbidities causing generalized weakness, such as neuromuscular or neurological diseases

Where this trial is running

Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro

• Pedro Ernesto University Hospital — Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Rafaela S Paim

Conditions Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness; Critical Care; Intensive Care Units; Physical Therapy Department, Hospital; Muscle Weakness; Functional Status; Physical Functional Performance; Outcome Assessment, Health Care