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Physical Function ICU Test (PFIT)
Availability

Please visit this website for more information: Physical Function ICU Test
Classification

Exploratory: Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)
Short Description of Instrument

The Physical Function ICU Test (PFIT) is a measure of function for those who need mechanical ventilation for four or more days. It is used to evaluate changes in patient strength and outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Comments/Special Instructions
The test can be performed when the patient is alert enough by testing the following criteria:
Open/close eyes
Look at me
Poke out your tongue
Nod your head
Raise your eyebrows
Test components:
-Assistance – sit to stand: 0, 1, or 2 assistants needed
-Cadence – steps/min: Calculated from maximal duration of marching on the spot and number of steps.
-Upper and Lower Limb Strength – Greatest of left and right using the Oxford grading system recorded from 0 (no contraction) to 5 (movement against gravity with full resistance)
-Shoulder flexion
-Knee extension
Psychometrics: good reliability, validity, responsiveness, (MCID=1.5), predictive of length of stay (acute hospital) and discharge muscle strength.
Scoring

Points are out of a maximum score of 12.
References
Denehy L, de Morton NA, Skinner EH, Edbrooke L, Haines K, Warrillow S, Berney S. A physical function test for use in the intensive care unit: validity, responsiveness, and predictive utility of the physical function ICU test (scored). Phys Ther. 2013;93(12):1636-1645.
 
Nordon-Craft A, Schenkman M, Edbrooke L, Malone DJ, Moss M, Denehy L. The physical function intensive care test: implementation in survivors of critical illness. Phys Ther. 2014;94(10):1499-1507.
 
Skinner EH, Berney S, Warrillow S, Denehy L. Development of a physical function outcome measure (PFIT) and a pilot exercise training protocol for use in intensive care. Crit Care Resusc. 2009;11(2):110-115.

 

Document last updated April 2020