The objective of the present study was to describe the physical and functioning profile of Brazilian older adults admitted to avascular surgery wards (VSW). This is an observational and cross-sectional study using patients admitted to VSW. The study included subjects considered able to (group 1, G1) or restricted to physical and functional assessment (group 2, G2). Barthel index (BI) was evaluated in G1 and G2 groups, while hand grip strength (HGS), Timed up and Go (TUG), maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP respectively) were assessed only in G1. The data of a total of 104 older adults (G1=56 and G2=48) were analyzed. Most patients had good bed mobility (83.9% in G1 and 75% in G2). There were significant difference between the predicted values and the recorded values obtained for MIP, MEP and HGS (P