To investigate the grip strength and hip flexion and tension, and analyze the main factors that affect the muscle function of ICU patients.

ICU patients from Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital from April 2019 to July 2019 were included in this study. There were 55 males and 22 females with an average age of (56.09±18.44) years. The clinical data of general sociological date, post-ICU, pre-ICU, leaving ICU were collected and the grip strength and hip flexion tensile force of the patients at ICU admission and discharge were measured.

There were significant difference of grip strength and hip flexion tension of ICU patients between ICU admission and discharge [grip strength: (22.14±10.91) kg vs (23.22±12.01) kg, t=2.490, P=0.015; hip flexion tension: (9.99±6.23) kg vs (11.14±7.87) kg, t=4.605, P＜0.001]. When the patient discharges from the ICU, the ADL score significantly improved (Z=4.401, P＜0.001) as well as the patient's malnutrition status, red blood cells, and hemoglobin (χ²=65.07, t=5.208, t=2.688, P＜0.05) while other laboratory results did not change significantly (P＞0.05). The patient's grip strength was significantly negatively correlated with age (r=-0.540), sex (r=-0.415), marital status (r=-0.512) duration of ICU stay (r=-0.304), mechanical ventilation (r=-0.246) and artificial airway (r=-0.224) while it positively correlated with ADL scores (r=0.316). The grip strength was significantly higher in male, single and no history of smoking and drinking. The patient's hip flexion tension was significantly negatively correlated with sex (r=-0.452) and nutritional status (r=-0.334).

ICU patients shows lower grip strength and hip flexion tension, which are gradually improved with the recovery. More attention should be paid to the muscle health status of elder, female, smoking, drinking, and married patients during ICU stay. Artificial airway should be removed as soon as possible and mechanical ventilation duration should be shortened according to patients' condition during ICU stay. Meanwhile, nutrition of patients should be strengthened to prevent muscle decay in ICU patients.