Physical activity, muscle strength, and exercise capacity 3 months after severe sepsis and septic shock.

Abstract in brief

• Survivors of severe sepsis and septic shock experience significant reductions in physical activity, muscle strength, and exercise capacity during hospitalization, with these deficits still present three months after discharge.
• During their hospital stay, most patients remain inactive, spending about 90% of their time lying or sitting, and even three months later, their walking activity remains lower than healthy controls.
• Factors such as the use of systemic corticosteroids and longer hospitalization negatively impact muscle strength and exercise ability, highlighting the need for targeted rehabilitation in this population.