Abstract

Background There has been a recent surge in the creation and adaptation of instruments to measure physical functioning (PF) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Selecting the right measurement instrument depends on understanding the core constructs that it measures in terms of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains. Purpose The purpose of this study was to map systematically the ICF domains and subdomains included in the PF measurement instruments used for adult patients during the ICU stay. Data Sources A systematic search was carried out in Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed, CINAHL, and LILACS as well as a hand search up to May 17, 2017. Study Selection Study selection included all types of research articles that used at least 1 PF measurement instrument in adult patients within the ICU. Data Extraction Study design, year of publication, study population, and the measurement instruments reported were recorded. A consensus of experts analyzed the ICF domains included in each instrument. Data Synthesis We found 181 articles containing 60 PF measurement instruments used during the ICU stay. Twenty-six ICF domains were identified, 38 instruments included Mobility, and 13 included Muscle function. Limitations Studies not written in English or Spanish were excluded. Conclusions There are numerous PF measurement instruments used in adult patients in the ICU. The most frequent ICF domain measured is Mobility. This study highlights the ICF domains contained in the instruments that can be used clinically, providing a complete database of instruments that could facilitate selection of the most appropriate measure based on the patients' needs.