Daytime activity and sleep are associated with motor function in older intensive care unit survivors

Background: Hospitalized older intensive care unit (ICU) survivors are often inactive and experience sleep disturbances.

Objective: We explored associations between post-ICU activity, sleep/rest, and motor function among hospitalized older ICU survivors.

Methods: We enrolled 30 older ICU survivors, ages 65 and older, within 24-48 h of ICU discharge. Actigraphy measured post-ICU activity and sleep/rest. Selected measures from the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Motor Battery assessed grip strength and dexterity. Multivariate regression examined associations between post-ICU activity, sleep/rest, and motor function, adjusting for covariates.

Results: Lower daytime activity (β = 0.258, p = .035) and greater daytime sleep/rest (β = -0.295, p = .022) were associated with worse grip strength. Lower daytime activity (β = -0.376, p = .037) and greater daytime sleep/rest (β = 0.409, p = .026) were associated with worse dexterity.

Conclusion: Post-ICU inactivity and prolonged rest periods are associated with worse motor function in hospitalized older ICU survivors.