Introduction: Recently, variables related to between-limb synchronization of the centers of pressure (COP) have been proposed as measures of postural control in post-stroke patients. Although it is crucial in verifying their potential clinical use, the reliability of these variables is unknown. The aim of this work was to determine the reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the peak of synchronization (ρ max ) in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions, the time lag for the peak (ρ max lag), synchronization at lag zero (ρ 0 ), weight-bearing symmetry, and amplitude of postural sway, measured as the root mean square (RMS) values of the COP displacements in both directions (AP and ML COP displacement). Methods: COP data of 16 participants with stroke were collected at quiet standing with two force plates at two sessions separated by 2 to 7 days. The procedure was repeated three times in each session. The within and between sessions reliability was determined by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the MDC was obtained from the ICC between sessions. Results: The variables ρ max lag in the AP and ML directions, as well as ρ 0 in the AP direction, exhibited poor within session reliability (ICC ≤ 0.4). The findings revealed excellent within and between sessions reliability (ICC ≥ 0.89) for weight-bearing symmetry and the RMS displacement in the AP direction, with MDC values of 5% and 2.07 mm, respectively. The remaining variables exhibited moderate reliability. Conclusion: Weight-bearing symmetry and AP COP displacement can be considered reliable variables for use in clinical practice.

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INTRODUCTION: After long periods of hospitalization, older adults may develop muscle weakness that can affect their functional independence after discharge. OBJECTIVE: To assess muscle weakness in older patients admitted to an ICU. METHOD: This cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach assessed functional independence with the Katz Index and post-ICU muscle strength with a handgrip strength (HS) test and the Medical Research Council (MRC) sum-score. The sample consisted of 60 patients with an average age of 76 (60–99) years, 36 (60%) of whom were female. RESULTS: Post-ICU, 86.7% of the patients were functionally dependent. Female patients had significantly lower HS than males: 7 (0–24) vs. 17 (1–37) (p < 0.001). Female patients who received mechanical ventilation (MV) or sedation had significantly lower HS and MRC scores than those who did not (p < 0.001): HS MV 1 (0–13) vs. 11 (0–24) p < 0.001; MRC MV 35 (14–48) vs. 43 (27–57) p < 0.001; HS sedation 0 (0–12) vs. 9 (0–24) p < 0.001; MRC sedation 34 (14–36) vs. 42 (22–57) p < 0.001, respectively. Finally, there was an inversely proportional correlation between HS, MRC scores, and ICU length of stay, Spearman’s rho = -0.267 (p = 0.0039) and Spearman’s rho = -0.347 (p = 0.007), respectively. CONCLUSION: Older women who received mechanical ventilation and sedation have lower muscle strength than those who did not. As the ICU length of stay increases, muscle strength decreases.

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