Introduction:

Hospitalization and bed rest can cause a marked functional decline in the elderly, regardless of the etiology of the acute disease that determined hospitalization. This is considered an increased risk for this age group, as it can affect functionality and quality of life irreversibly. This study aims to assess changes in the functional capacity of the elderly during hospitalization and to categorize the variation in functional capacity during hospitalization.

Methodology:

Descriptive observational study carried out in an internal medicine inpatient service in a sample of 20 elderly people, using the Barthel Index, the Short Physical Performance Battery scale (SPPB) and the Handgrip strength. Two moments of evaluation were considered: admission and discharge.

Results:

In all parameters evaluated, a decrease in values was found between the first and the second evaluation, this difference being statistically significant in the Barthel Index (p=0,006), in SPPB 3 (p=0,046), in the total score of the SPPB (p=0,05) and in the handgrip strength (p=0,005). The difference found in the total score of the SPPB, in which 50% of the sample was categorized as incapacity or very poor performance, is also clinically important.

Discussion:

The results show the need for specialized Rehabilitation Nursing intervention among this specific population during hospitalization. The initial assessment will make it possible to identify the risk of functional loss during hospitalization and to design personalized intervention plans.

Conclusion:

The average value found in the total SPPB score at admission indicates a relative risk of disability related to mobility. The average value found in the total SPPB score at discharge is described in the literature as an indicator of high risk of readmission or death.

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