The hospitalization process can influence a sharp functional decline of the elderly, the reduction of independence and other functional aspects can increase the length of hospital stay with consequent impact on hospital expenses, influencing clinical, physical and mental variables, the functionality of this population can be well understood from the analysis of these variables.

This study analyzed the relationship between clinical and physical factors and the functional capacity of hospitalized elderly.

This is an analytical cross-sectional study that evaluated elderly people in a referral hospital for urgency and trauma in Goiânia. Were used the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Handgrip Strength (HGS), Medical Research Council (MRC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

111 elderly people participated, with a mean age of 73 (± 6.9) years, with a predominance of females and fractures musculoskeletal disorders including fractures the main reason for hospitalization (59.5%). Most of the elderly (79.3%) showed functional dependence that was associated with age, sedentary lifestyle, presence of musculoskeletal disorders, BBS, FPP and MRC, sedentary lifestyle was also associated with a decrease in HGS and the imbalance assessed by BBS with impairment of global muscle strength assessed by the MRC.

Hospitalized elderly have reduced functional capacity, and the level of independence can be influenced by age, sedentary lifestyle, presence of musculoskeletal disorder, strength and balance.

The recognition of factors related to the level of activity and participation during hospitalization is necessary in order to reduce the damage caused by the loss of function in hospitalized elderly, directing the physiotherapeutic approach in order to increase independence for daily activities and autonomy of these patients, the research may also serve as an incentive for new studies related to the functional capacity of hospitalized elderly.