Correlation of Body Composition and Nutritional Status with Functional Recovery in Stroke Rehabilitation Patients

Association of Body Water Balance, Nutritional Risk, and Sarcopenia with Outcome in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Single-Center Prospective Study

In the present study, we examined the inter-relationships between body water balance, nutritional risk, sarcopenia, and outcome after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in patients who were living independently. We defined abnormal body water balance as overhydration, with an extracellular fluid/total body water ratio > 0.390. A geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) < 98 was considered low GNRI. Sarcopenia was defined according to the 2019 Asian Working Group for sarcopenia criteria. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≥ 3 at discharge. Among 111 eligible patients (40 females, median age: 77 years), 43 had a poor prognosis, 31 exhibited overhydration, 25 had low GNRI, and 44 experienced sarcopenia. Patients with poor outcomes had significantly higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, which were significantly more common with overhydration, low GNRI, and sarcopenia (p < 0.001 for all). Concomitant overhydration, low GNRI, and sarcopenia were associated with poorer outcomes. In multivariate analysis, overhydration [odds ratio (OR) 5.504, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.717-17.648; p = 0.004], age (OR 1.062, 95%CI 1.010-1.117; p = 0.020), and NIHSS score (OR 1.790, 95%CI 1.307-2.451; p < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for poor outcome. The results indicated that the combination of overhydration, low GNRI, and sarcopenia predict poor outcomes following AIS. Overhydration was particularly associated with poor outcomes.

High Sarcopenia Awareness Contrasts a Lack of Clinical Implementation Among Geriatric Rehabilitation Health Care Professionals in the Netherlands: EMPOWER-GR

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Despite being associated with serious adverse outcomes, such as mortality, sarcopenia remains largely undiagnosed in older individuals. This study aimed to assess the awareness, practices, and barriers and enablers to clinical implementation of sarcopenia diagnosis and treatment among geriatric rehabilitation health care professionals in the Netherlands.

METHODS

As part of EMPOWER-GR, a cross-sectional survey among geriatric rehabilitation health care professionals working in the Netherlands was undertaken between September 23, 2020, and January 28, 2021. Professionals were recruited via a geriatric rehabilitation care provider, health care professional associations, professional networks of the research team, and social media. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the study outcomes.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Of the 501 geriatric rehabilitation health care professionals, 12.2% were physicians, 23.0% physical therapist/occupational therapists, 30.3% dietitians, 19.6% nurses, and 11.0% health care assistants. The concept of sarcopenia was known by 83.8% of the participants, 92.5% correctly identified sarcopenia as low muscle mass and strength (and low physical performance), and 73.8% identified sarcopenia as very important in the management of older adults admitted for rehabilitation. Although 26.2% and 18.9% of the participants reported screening and diagnosing sarcopenia, respectively, in their current practice, only 3.0% adequately used the (revised) definition of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. When sarcopenia has been diagnosed, 65.0% reported initiating treatment consisting of resistance exercise training (78.7%), food fortification/high-energy or protein diet (85.4%), and oral nutritional supplements (70.4%). Most important barriers to screening and diagnosis were lack of knowledge, access to tools, and equipment and time, while enablers were protocol implementation, access to training, and clear responsibilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia awareness is high among geriatric rehabilitation health care professionals in the Netherlands, but adequate screening and diagnosis is almost nonexistent in current clinical practice, which hampers interventions. Better knowledge, clear responsibilities, and access to tools and protocols, as well as prioritization, are needed for sarcopenia to be diagnosed and treated in geriatric rehabilitation in the Netherlands.

The Validity of Quadriceps Muscle Thickness as a Nutritional Risk Indicator in Patients with Stroke

This study aimed to investigate whether quadriceps muscle thickness (QMT) is useful for nutritional assessment in patients with stroke. This was a retrospective cohort study. Nutritional risk was assessed using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), with GNRI < 92 indicating a risk of malnutrition and GNRI ≥ 92 indicating normal conditions. Muscle mass was assessed using QMT and calf circumference (CC). The outcome was Functional Independence Measure (FIM) effectiveness. The cutoff values of QMT and CC for discriminating between high and low GNRI were determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve. The accuracy of the nutritional risk discrimination model was evaluated using the Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC). Multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between nutritional risk, as defined by QMT and CC, and FIM effectiveness. A total of 113 patients were included in the analysis. The cutoff values of QMT and CC for determining nutritional risk were 49.630 mm and 32.0 cm for men (MCC: 0.576; 0.553) and 41.185 mm and 31.0 cm for women (MCC: 0.611; 0.530). Multiple regression analysis showed that only nutritional risk defined by QMT was associated with FIM effectiveness. These findings indicate that QMT is valid for assessing nutritional risk in patients with stroke.

Influence of Nutritional Interventions on Functional Outcomes in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Stroke, a major cause of disability worldwide, necessitates comprehensive rehabilitation, with nutrition playing a pivotal role in recovery. Our systematic review assesses the impact of nutritional interventions on stroke survivors' rehabilitation. Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, using keywords related to stroke rehabilitation and nutrition. Studies were selected based on criteria emphasizing dietary interventions and their effect on functional recovery in stroke patients. The review involved detailed data extraction and synthesis, covering study design, participant characteristics, interventions, and outcomes. Five studies met our inclusion criteria, encompassing longitudinal and prospective studies, retrospective cohorts, and randomized controlled trials. These studies highlighted the importance of early nutritional assessment, particularly for sarcopenic patients, and the role of energy and protein intake soon after a stroke. Findings indicated high nutritional risk correlated with poorer functional outcomes and increased inflammation. Tailored dietary support appeared beneficial for muscle mass maintenance and overall functional recovery, especially in older patients. Our review emphasizes the critical role of nutritional interventions in stroke rehabilitation. It suggests that personalized nutritional strategies can positively impact functional recovery, notably in older and nutritionally vulnerable stroke survivors. These insights underscore the necessity of integrating dietary assessments and interventions into standard stroke rehabilitation protocols, advocating a holistic approach to patient care.

Interacting and joint effects of triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and body mass index on stroke risk and the mediating role of TyG in middle-aged and older Chinese adults: a nationwide prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Individuals who are overweight or obese often develop insulin resistance, mediation of the association between body mass index (BMI) and stroke risk through the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) seems plausible but has not been investigated. This study aims to examine whether TyG mediates associations of BMI with stroke risk and the extent of interaction or joint relations of TyG and BMI with stroke outcome.

METHODS

The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, initiated in 2011, is a nationally representative, ongoing prospective cohort study involving 8 231 middle-aged and older Chinese adults without a stroke history at baseline. Exposures examined include BMI and the TyG, the latter being the logarithmized product of fasting triglyceride and glucose concentrations. The primary study outcome is stroke incidence, as determined through self-reports, with a follow-up period extending from June 1, 2011, to June 30, 2018.

RESULTS

Of the 8 231 participants, 3 815 (46.3%) were men; mean (SD) age was 59.23 (9.32) years. During a median follow-up of 7.1 years, 585 (7.1%) participants developed stroke. The TyG was found to mediate the association between BMI and incident stroke, proportions mediated were 16.3% for BMI in the 24.0-27.9 kg/m2 group and 53.8% for BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m2 group. No significant multiplicative and additive interactions were found between BMI and TyG on incident stroke (Additive: RERI = 1.78, 95% CI - 1.29-4.86; Multiplicative, HR = 1.40, 95% CI 0.86-2.27). HRs for individuals with BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m2 and quartile 4 of TyG compared with those with BMI < 24.0 kg/m2 and quartile 1 of TyG were 2.05 (95% CI 1.37-3.06) for incident stroke. Combining BMI and TyG enhanced predictive performance for stroke when compared to their individual (AUCBMI+TyG vs AUCBMI vs AUCTyG, 0.602 vs 0.581 vs 0.583).

CONCLUSIONS

TyG appeared to be associated with stroke risk and mediates more than 50% of the total association between BMI and stroke in middle-aged and older Chinese adults. Public health efforts aiming at the reduction of body weight might decrease the stroke risk due to insulin resistance and the burden of stroke.

Assessment of functional fitness impacted by hospital rehabilitation in post-stroke patients who additionally contracted COVID-19

Background

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of rehabilitation in post-stroke patients, or post-stroke patients with simultaneous COVID-19 infection, in relation to: improved locomotion efficiency, improved balance, reduced risk of falling as well as the patients' more effective performance in everyday activities.

Methods

The study involved 60 patients in the early period (2-3 months) after a stroke. Group I consisted of 18 patients (30.0%) who, in addition to a stroke, also contracted COVID-19. Group II consisted of 42 patients (70%) post-stroke, with no SARS-CoV2 infection. The effects were assessed on the basis of: Tinetti test, Timed Up & Go test and Barthel scale.

Results

Both groups achieved a statistically significant improvement in their Barthel score after therapy (p < 0.001). The Tinetti test, assessing gait and balance, showed that participants in Group I improved their score by an average of 4.22 points. ±4.35, and in Group II, on average, by 3.48 points ± 3.45 points. In the Timed Up & Go test over a distance of 3 m, significant improvement was achieved in both groups, as well but the effect was higher in Group I (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Hospital rehabilitation in the early period after stroke improved locomotion efficiency and balance, and reduced the risk of falls in post-stroke patients, both with and without COVID-19 infection.

Muscle quality improvement in subacute post-stroke patients after rehabilitation: Usefulness of segmental phase angle from bioelectrical impedance analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

During stroke rehabilitation, the whole-body Phase Angle (PhA) from Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is measured to assess whole-body muscle quality, which reflects cellular integrity and function. The segmental BIA is a valuable method for assessing the body composition of specific body segments, such as the arms, legs, and hemisoma. After a stroke insult, patients frequently experience hemiparesis, and segmental PhA from segmental BIA appears to be an appropriate parameter for examining the muscle quality of affected and unaffected limbs separately. This study aims to investigate whether segmental PhA is more informative than whole-body PhA in (a) assessing the deterioration of muscle quality in post-stroke patients and (b) monitoring its recovery following rehabilitative treatment.

METHODS

This longitudinal study recruited subacute post-stroke patients who were admitted to our rehabilitation center. At admission, demographic, anamnestic, and clinical information, such as the presence of comorbidities, were recorded. BIA was used to evaluate the whole-body PhA and segmental PhA of the affected and unaffected hemisoma, arms, and legs at admission (T0) and after a six-week rehabilitation program (T1). The modified Barthel Index (mBI), Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), and Motricity Index of the Upper (MI-UE) and Lower (MI-LE) Extremities were evaluated at T0 and T1 to determine the patient's Activity of Daily Living (ADL) performance, upper limb motor performance, and upper and lower limb muscle strength, respectively.

RESULTS

We evaluated segmental and whole-body BIA in 70 subacute post-stroke patients (women n = 34, ischemic n = 56, mean age 70 ± 11) at T0 and T1. Whole-body PhA values of the patients were below the normal range. Considering segmental data, the affected hemisoma, arm, and leg had considerably lower PhA values as compared to the unaffected body segments. Furthermore, at T1, the PhA values of all affected body segments improved, while those of the unaffected ones and whole-body PhA did not. At both T0 and T1, the segmental PhA values of the affected body segments showed to be related with all clinical outcome measures, while whole-body PhA correlated only with mBI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes the significance of measuring segmental PhA in hemiparetic subacute stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation treatment. Segmental PhA is a more accurate parameter to evaluate rehabilitation treatment in patients with hemiparesis because it can distinguish affected from unaffected body segments, hence facilitating accurate monitoring of muscle quality improvements resulting from a rehabilitation program.

Change in phase angle is associated with improvement in activities of daily living and muscle function in patients with acute stroke

PURPOSE

The phase angle (PhA) is a simple index that reflects nutritional status and muscle quality. This study aimed to investigate the association between PhA changes and activities of daily living (ADL), muscle strength, and muscle mass in patients with acute stroke.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study included patients hospitalized for acute stroke. The primary outcome was functional independence measure (FIM) of motor gain. The secondary outcomes were changes in handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) during hospitalization. Multivariate analysis was used to examine whether PhA changes were associated with outcomes, after adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Hundred and sixty one subjects (mean age 74.6 years, 92 men) were included in the study. Multivariate analysis showed that PhA change was significantly and positively correlated with the gain in FIM motor scores, both for men (β = 0.634, p < 0.001) and women (β = 0.660, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there were significant associations between PhA change and changes in handgrip strength for men (β = 0.222, p = 0.030) and women (β = 0.491, p < 0.001), as well as SMI for men (β = 0.556, p < 0.001) and women (β = 0.290, p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

An increased phase angle was positively associated with ADL, muscle strength, and muscle mass at discharge in patients with acute stroke.

Changes in skeletal muscle mass index and fat mass index during rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury and stroke measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis

Although malnutrition may negatively impact the outcomes of rehabilitation and increase the cost of care, there are still no valid nutritional assessment methods appropriate for specific groups of patients undergoing rehabilitation. This study aimed to determine if a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance is suitable for monitoring the changes in body composition of brain-injured patients for whom individualized nutritional goals were set during rehabilitation. Fat mass index (FMI) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) were examined by Seca mBCA515 or portable Seca mBCA525 device within 48 h of admission and before discharge in 11 traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 11 stroke patients with admission Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 scores ≥2. The changes in outcomes and plausible interactions were examined between the admission values and the values estimated for the 18th day (minimum length of stay in the sample) using a repeated measure mixed-sample analysis of covariance. In patients with low FMI at admission (mainly younger, TBI patients, with longer ICU stay), there was no change over time whereas, in those with high admission FMI (older, stroke patients, with shorter ICU stay), a decrease was observed (significant interaction F(1,19) = 9.224 P  = 0.007 Part. η² = 0.327). The SMMI significantly increased over time (F(1,19) = 5.202 P  = 0.034 Part. η² = 0.215) independently of gender, age, days spent in ICU and cause of brain injury. Our results suggest that bioelectrical impedance analysis is feasible and informative for monitoring the changes in body composition during rehabilitation, which also requires consideration of demographic and pre-rehabilitation characteristics.

A U-shaped relationship between body mass index and functional recovery in older Japanese stroke survivors undergoing hospital rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

A relationship between body mass index and functional recovery in older survivors of stroke is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of body mass index with post-stroke functional recovery in older Japanese stroke survivors undergoing hospital rehabilitation.

METHODS

This was a multicenter retrospective observational study of 757 older survivors of stroke, from six convalescent rehabilitation hospitals in Japan. The participants were classified into seven categories according to body mass index at admission. The measurements included outcomes of the absolute gain in the motor subscale of the Functional Independence Measure. Poor functional recovery was defined as gain < 17 points. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the impact of these body mass index categories on poor functional recovery.

RESULTS

The mean motor gains were highest in the 23.5-25.4 kg/m2 group (28.1 points), and lowest in the < 17.5 kg/m2 group (220.0 points). The results of the multivariate regression analyses (reference; 23.5-25.4 kg/m2 group) showed that the < 17.5 kg/m2 group (odds ratios 4.30; 95 % confidence intervals 2.09-8.87), the 17.5-19.4 kg/m2 group (1.99; 1.03-3.87), the 19.5-21.4 kg/m2 group (1.93; 1.05-3.54), and the ≥ 27.5 kg/m2 group (3.34; 1.33-8.42) were significantly associated with poor functional recovery, but not in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Older survivors of stroke with high-normal weight had the most favorable functional recovery among the seven groups. Meanwhile, both low and extremely high body mass indexes were associated with poor functional recovery.

Predictive Value of Malnutrition, Identified via Different Nutritional Screening or Assessment Tools, for Functional Outcomes in Patients with Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition affects more than half of patients with stroke. Although malnutrition leads to more deaths, a longer hospital stay, and higher costs, there is still a lack of consensus regarding the impact of malnutrition on physical functional outcomes in patients with stroke, and there are large differences in the diagnostic effects of nutritional screening or assessment tools for malnutrition. This study aimed to explore the impact of malnutrition in patients with stroke and assess the significance of current nutritional screening and assessment tools for these patients.

METHODS

Six databases were systematically searched until October 2022. Cohort studies meeting the eligibility criteria were included. Pooled effects were calculated using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies with 21,115 participants were included. The pooled effects of malnutrition on poor functional outcome, FIM points, and dysphagia were OR = 2.72 (95% CI = 1.84-4.06), WMD = -19.42(95% CI = -32.87--5.96), and OR = 2.80 (95% CI = 1.67-4.67), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition adversely affects the recovery of physical and swallowing functions in patients with stroke. Nutritional assessments consistently predict the outcomes of physical function in patients with stroke.

Effects of muscle mass and muscle quality estimated by phase angle on functional outcomes in older patients undergoing rehabilitation: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Both skeletal muscle mass and muscle quality are important predictors of poor prognosis in older patients. However, the effects of muscle mass and muscle quality estimated by the phase angle (PhA) on functional outcomes in older patients undergoing rehabilitation have yet to be reported. This study aimed to investigate whether appendicular skeletal muscle index (SMI) and muscle quality estimated by PhA were independently associated with activities of daily living (ADL) and physical function in older patients undergoing rehabilitation.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included older patients in a subacute rehabilitation hospital (n = 443). Baseline SMI and PhA were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and low SMI or low PhA were determined using each cutoff value. The primary outcomes were ADL abilities measured using the functional independence measure for motor function (FIM-M) score and physical function measured using the short physical performance battery (SPPB) score at hospital discharge. Association between low SMI and low PhA and FIM-M or SPPB scores at discharge were determined using multiple regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between the normal- and low-PhA groups in the FIM-M and SPPB scores at discharge (P < 0.001). In multiple regression analysis, low PhA was independently associated with FIM-M (β = -0.109, P = 0.013) and SPPB scores (β = 0.535, P < 0.001) at discharge; however, low SMI was not independently associated with these functional outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Decreased muscle quality estimated by the PhA was independently associated with poor ADL abilities and poor physical function in older patients undergoing rehabilitation.

The Assessment of the Risk of Malnutrition (Undernutrition) in Stroke Patients

Malnutrition is common in stroke patients, as it is associated with neurological and cognitive impairment as well as clinical outcomes. Nutritional screening is a process with which to categorize the risk of malnutrition (i.e., nutritional risk) based on validated tools/procedures, which need to be rapid, simple, cost-effective, and reliable in the clinical setting. This review focuses on the tools/procedures used in stroke patients to assess nutritional risk, with a particular focus on their relationships with patients' clinical characteristics and outcomes. Different screening tools/procedures have been used in stroke patients, which have shown varying prevalence in terms of nutritional risk (higher in rehabilitation units) and significant relationships with clinical outcomes in the short- and long term, such as infection, disability, and mortality. Indeed, there have been few attempts to compare the usefulness and reliability of the different tools/procedures. More evidence is needed to identify appropriate approaches to assessing nutritional risk among stroke patients in the acute and sub-acute phase of disease or during rehabilitation; to evaluate the impact of nutritional treatment on the risk of malnutrition during hospital stay or rehabilitation unit; and to include nutritional screening in well-defined nutritional care protocols.

Impact of Nutritional Status on Outcomes of Stroke Survivors: A Post Hoc Analysis of the NHANES

Stroke, a neurological emergency, is a leading cause of death and disability in adults worldwide. In acute or rehabilitative stages, stroke survivors sustain variable neurological recovery with long-term disabilities. The influence of post-stroke nutritional status on long-term survival has not been confirmed. Using the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2001−2010), we conducted a matched-cohort analysis (929 and 1858 participants in stroke and non-stroke groups, respectively) to investigate the influence of nutritional elements on post-stroke survival. With significantly lower nutrient consumption, the mortality risk was 2.2 times higher in stroke patients compared to non-stroke patients (Kaplan−Meier method with Cox proportional hazards model: adjusted hazard ratio, 2.208; 95% confidence interval: 1.887−2.583; p < 0.001). For several nutritional elements, the lower consumption group had significantly shorter survival than the higher consumption stroke subgroup; moreover, stroke patients with the highest 25% nutritional intake for each nutritional element, except moisture and total fat, had significantly shorter survival than non-stroke patients with the lowest 25% nutrition. Malnutrition is highly prevalent in stroke patients and is associated with high mortality rates. The dynamic change in energy requirements throughout the disease course necessitates dietary adjustment to ensure adequate nutritional intake.

Clinical applications of body composition and functional status tools for nutrition assessment of hospitalized adults: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

No global consensus exists on diagnostic criteria for malnutrition. Muscular deficits and functional impairments are major components of available malnutrition diagnostic frameworks because these facets of nutrition status significantly impact outcomes. The purpose of this review is to explore which body composition assessment (BCA) and functional status assessment (FSA) tools are being used for nutrition assessment (NA) and monitoring the response to nutrition interventions (RNIs) in adult inpatients.

METHODS

A literature search of Embase, Medline (Ovid), Web of Science, and Cochrane Central was performed to identify studies that used BCA and/or FSA tools for NA (along with an accepted NA diagnostic framework) and/or for monitoring RNI in adult inpatients.

RESULTS

The search yielded 3667 articles; 94 were included in the review. The number of studies using BCA and/or FSA tools for NA was 47 and also 47 for monitoring RNI. Seventy-nine percent of studies used bioimpedance for BCA, and 97% that included FSA utilized handgrip strength. When compared against sets of diagnostic criteria, many of the BCA and FSA tools showed promising associations with nutrition status.

CONCLUSION

Bioimpedance methods are the most widely used bedside BCA tools, and handgrip strength is the most widely used FSA tool; however, these methods are being used with a variety of protocols, algorithms, and interpretation practices in heterogeneous populations. To create a standardized nutrition status assessment process there is a need for validation studies on bedside methods and the development of globally standardized assessment protocols in clinical inpatient settings.

Influence of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation on Nutritional Status and Neural Plasticity: New Perspectives on Post-Stroke Neurorehabilitative Outcome

Beyond brain deficits caused by strokes, the effectiveness of neurorehabilitation is strongly influenced by the baseline clinical features of stroke patients, including a patient's current nutritional status. Malnutrition, either as a pre-stroke existing condition or occurring because of ischemic injury, predisposes patients to poor rehabilitation outcomes. On the other hand, a proper nutritional status compliant with the specific needs required by the process of brain recovery plays a key role in post-stroke rehabilitative outcome favoring neuroplasticity mechanisms. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a role in stroke-associated malnutrition, as well as in the cascade of ischemic events in the brain area, where ischemic damage leads to neuronal death and brain infarction, and, via cell-to-cell signaling, the alteration of neuroplasticity processes underlying functional recovery induced by multidisciplinary rehabilitative treatment. Nutrition strategies based on food components with oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties may help to reverse or stop malnutrition and may be a prerequisite for supporting the ability of neuronal plasticity to result in satisfactory rehabilitative outcome in stroke patients. To expand nutritional recommendations for functional rehabilitation recovery, studies considering the evolution of nutritional status changes in post-stroke patients over time are required. The assessment of nutritional status must be included as a routine tool in rehabilitation settings for the integrated care of stroke-patients.

Effect of Late-Onset Stroke Rehabilitation on Medical Morbidities and Functional Recovery: A Single-Center Observational Study

Background The concept of focused rehabilitative care and a dedicated rehabilitation setup is fairly less known among the people of developing countries. The main objective of the study is to assess the effect of late-onset stroke rehabilitation on its overall prognosis and to see whether and how the late initiation of rehabilitation would pose a significant effect on functional recovery and adverse medical outcomes Methods A single-center, prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary rehabilitation center for a duration of one and a half years. The subjects admitted to the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation were divided into three groups with respect to the onset to admission interval (OAI). Patients who got admitted within 30 days (OAI≤ 30 days) were considered the early rehabilitation group. OAI between 31 and 150 days was the late rehabilitation group and OAI of 151 days or more was the very late rehabilitation group. Barthel Index (BI), Modified Rankin Score (MRS), and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were used as functional outcome measures at admission and discharge from indoors. Results Maximum complications were observed in the late rehabilitation group, i.e. 2.75±2.74, with an overall mean of 2.02±2.04 (p=0.003). Functional recovery assessed using BI shows a significant difference between the early (35.79±8.86) and late (40.62±10.5) rehabilitation groups (p= 0.0005). 6MWT at discharge showed significant improvement in the early rehabilitation group (p=0.005). Conclusion Early onset of rehabilitation showed better functional recovery and fewer adverse medical outcomes in stroke patients. A longer length of hospital stay (LOHS), with a mean duration of 88 ±2 days was needed for patients with higher OAIs.

Relationship between Nutritional Status, Food Consumption and Sarcopenia in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Preliminary Data

After a stroke, patients can suffer from sarcopenia, which can affect recovery. This could be closely related to an impairment in nutritional status. In this preliminary analysis of a longitudinal prospective study, we screened 110 subjects admitted to our rehabilitation center after a stroke. We then enrolled 61 patients, who underwent a 6-week course of rehabilitation treatment. We identified a group of 18 sarcopenic patients (SG), according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2), by evaluating muscle strength with the handgrip test, and muscle mass with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). With respect to the non-sarcopenic group (NSG), the SG at admission (T0) had worse muscle quality, according to the BIA-derived phase angle, and a lower score of MNA®-SF. In contrast to the NSG, the SG also exhibited lower values for both BMI and the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) at T0 and T1. Moreover, 33% of the SG had a major risk of nutrition-related complications (GNRI at T0 < 92) and discarded on average more food during the six weeks of rehabilitation (about one-third of the average daily plate waste). Of note is the fact that the Barthel Index’s change from baseline indicated that the SG had a worse functional recovery than the NGS. These results suggest that an accurate diagnosis of sarcopenia, along with a proper evaluation of the nutritional status on admission to rehabilitation centers, appears strictly necessary to design individual, targeted physical and nutritional intervention for post-stroke patients, to improve their ability outcomes.

Malnutrition risk and oropharyngeal dysphagia in the chronic post-stroke phase

Background

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) and malnutrition are associated with poor clinical outcomes after stroke. The present study evaluated (1) malnutrition risk and OD-related characteristics in patients with chronic post-stroke OD, and (2) the relationship between on the one hand OD severity and on the other hand functional oral intake and dysphagia-specific quality of life.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Dutch interdisciplinary outpatient clinic for OD. The standardized examination protocol comprised: clinical ear, nose, and throat examination, body mass index, the short nutritional assessment questionnaire (SNAQ), a standardized fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), the functional oral intake scale (FOIS), and the MD Anderson dysphagia inventory (MDADI).

Results

Forty-two consecutive patients with chronic post-stroke OD were included. Mean (±SD) age and BMI of the population were 69.1 (±8.7) years and 26.8 (±4.1) kg/m2 respectively. Seventeen (40.4%) patients presented a moderate to high risk of malnutrition (SNAQ score≥2). The FEES examination showed moderate to severe OD in 28 (66.7%) patients. The severity of OD was significantly related to the FOIS score but not to the MDADI scores.

Conclusion

In this specific sample of referred stroke patients, moderate to severe OD and moderate to high risk of malnutrition were common. Despite the use of clinical practice guidelines on stroke and a normal nutritional status at first sight, repeated screening for malnutrition and monitoring the severity and management of OD remain important elements in the care of patients with chronic post-stroke OD.

The effects of nutrition supplement on rehabilitation for patients with stroke: Analysis based on 16 randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is a relatively common and often unrecognized condition in stroke survivors, which may negatively affect functional recovery and survival. Though previous studies have indicated significant role of nutrition supplement for rehabilitation of patients with stroke, the results still remain controversy.

OBJECTIVE

The present analysis was designed to systematically review effective evidence of nutrition supplement on rehabilitation for patients with stroke.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to August 1, 2021 was performed to find relevant studies that analyzed the effect of nutrition supplement on rehabilitation of patients with stroke. The primary outcome was functional outcomes and activities of daily living (ADL). The secondary outcomes included disability, all-cause mortality, infections, pneumonia, walking ability, stroke recurrence, and laboratory results indicating nutrition status of patients. All statistical analyses were performed using standard statistical procedures with Review Manager 5.2.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 16 studies including 7547 patients were identified. Our pooled results found no significant difference in total, cognitive and motor FIM score between nutrition supplement and placebo groups, with pooled MDs of 7.64 (95% CI - 1.67 to 16.94; P = .11), 0.74 (95% CI - 1.33 to 2.81; P = .48), 1.11 (95% CI - 1.68 to 3.90; P = .44), respectively. However, our result showed that nutritional interventions had significant effect on ADL for patients with stroke (MD 3.26; 95% CI 0.59 to 5.93; P = .02). In addition, nutrition supplement reduced the incidence of infections for patients with stroke, with a pooled RR of 0.65 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.84; P = .0008). No significant results were found in disabilities, complication and laboratory outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis indicated no statistically significant effect of nutrition supplement on functional outcomes as well as disabilities, complication and laboratory outcomes for patients with stroke. However, it increased ADL and reduced the incidence of infections.

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index is related to the risk of stroke-associated pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) occurs frequently after a stroke. Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a valuable indicator of elderly individuals' nutritional status. This research was designed to obtain insight into the link between GNRI and SAP.

METHODS

Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) were categorized into the SAP and non-SAP groups. GNRI scores were divided into four layers: Q1, GNRI < 82; Q2, 82≤ GNRI < 92; Q3, 92≤ GNRI ≤98; Q4, GNRI > 98. To identify the independent risk and protective factors of developing SAP, logistic regression analyses were conducted. Additionally, we utilized the restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis to test the effect of GNRI on the SAP risk.

RESULTS

The SAP group showed lower GNRI scores than the non-SAP group (96.88 ± 9.36 vs. 100.88 ± 8.25, p  <  0.001). According to the logistic regression model, the Q1 and Q2 layers showed a higher risk of SAP than the Q3 layer, while the Q4 layer showed a lower SAP risk (all p < 0.05). Besides, the RCS model found that the risk of SAP dropped dramatically as GNRI scores increased, which got stable when the GNRI score was more significant than 100.

CONCLUSION

Lower GNRI scores were linked to a higher prevalence of SAP. In clinical practice, GNRI showed predictive value for SAP, which could be helpful in early SAP intervention and therapy.

Impact of sarcopenia on daily functioning: a cross-sectional study among older inpatients

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Geriatric patients with sarcopenia are at increased risk for functional decline with loss of independence in daily living. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the impact of sarcopenia on different domains of functional status in hospitalized geriatric patients.

METHODS

Sarcopenia was assessed at hospital admission using the recommendations of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2). Body impedance analysis (BIA) was performed to determine muscle mass, and a pneumatic hand dynamometer was used to assess muscle strength. The functional independence measure (FIM) score, an 18-item tool exploring an individual's physical, cognitive and social functions, was used to measure functional status.

RESULTS

In 305 included inpatients with a median age of 84.0 years (65.6% female), prevalence of sarcopenia was 22.6%. Overall, sarcopenic patients had significant lower FIM scores compared to non-sarcopenic patients (p = 0.006). An association with sarcopenia was found for the FIM items bed/chair/wheelchair transfer (p = 0.047), transfer to toilet (p = 0.048), locomotion (p = 0.001), climbing stairs (p = 0.012), comprehension (p = 0.029), and social interaction (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

In hospitalized geriatric patients, sarcopenia was found to be associated with both cognitive and mobility domains, but not with self-care domains of the FIM score. Therefore, when addressing sarcopenia in inpatients, tailored and multi-dimensional training interventions mainly should focus on motor-cognitive abilities.

Assessment of changes in muscle mass, strength, and quality and activities of daily living in elderly stroke patients

Whether poststroke rehabilitation improves muscle mass and quality along with the recovery of muscle strength is not clear. In this study, we examined the changes in muscle strength, muscle mass, and muscle quality in patients undergoing poststroke rehabilitation and assessed the relationship of these variables with improvement in activities of daily living (ADL). This prospective study was conducted at stroke rehabilitation unit in Japan. Muscle mass and quality were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). ADLs were assessed using the functional independence measure (FIM). Grip strength of the nonaffected and affected sides was measured using hand dynamometer. All measurements were performed at admission to the stroke rehabilitation unit and at 4 weeks thereafter. We assessed changes in motor FIM items and examined the relationships among the measured variables. This study included 179 patients. Patients received stroke rehabilitation 7 days a week individually. Muscle strength and quality significantly increased after 4 weeks on both the sides. Muscle mass decreased after 4 weeks; however, there was no significant difference between the two time points. Changes in muscle strength and quality showed a significant correlation with improvement in ADLs [r = 0.66 (male), 0.45 (female) and 0.55 (male), 0.31 (female), respectively]; however, muscle mass showed no correlation with improvement in ADLs. Poststroke rehabilitation improves muscle strength and quality, as well as ADLs. Muscle mass is not an appropriate measure to assess the effects of stroke rehabilitation; it is desirable to instead use muscle strength and quality to assess stroke rehabilitation.

Relationship between Nutritional Status, Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and Functional Recovery in Patients with Proximal Femur Fracture

Sarcopenia is a major issue among the elderly. However, the effects of nutritional status and body composition on functional recovery in patients with proximal femur fractures (PFF) remain unclear. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of nutritional status, body composition (skeletal muscle mass and muscle quality measured by phase angle [PhA] values), and muscle strength on the improvement in activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with PFF. We enrolled patients with PFF admitted to a rehabilitation unit. Nutritional status, body composition, grip strength, and motor Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score were assessed on admission day and at 4 weeks thereafter. Of 148 patients, 84 had femoral neck fractures, and 64 had trochanteric fractures. The mean motor FIM score was 49.2 points at admission and 64.9 points after 4 weeks. In multivariate analysis, higher geriatric nutritional risk index and PhA measured by anthropometry were associated with a significantly higher FIM score after 4 weeks. Muscle strength and quality changes significantly correlated with ADL improvement. Poor nutritional status and decreased muscle strength and quality interfered with ADL recovery. Nutritional management before injury and from the acute phase, and rehabilitation to maintain skeletal muscle status, are important for ADL recovery.

Phase Angle as a Comprehensive Tool for Nutritional Monitoring and Management in Patients with Crohn's Disease

Background and Aims: Crohn’s disease (CD) is usually accompanied by malnutrition. CD-related malnutrition can increase morbidity, disability, mortality, and hospitalization costs. The purpose of this study was to find a reliable indicator for evaluating CD patients’ nutritional status. Methods: All data were retrospectively collected from Xiangya Hospital, Central South University between May 2021 and February 2022. All patients were evaluated for nutritional status using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Body composition, resistance, and reactance were recorded by a body analyser, and the phase angle (PhA) was calculated simultaneously. The Mann−Whitney U test, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was built to evaluate the predictive value of differential variables for diagnosing malnutrition based on the GLIM criteria. Results: A total of 169 CD patients were enrolled, of which 74 (58.3%) males and 32 (76.2%) females were diagnosed with malnutrition; 34 (45.9%) males and 22 (68.8%) females were severely malnourished. Univariate analysis identified that as nutritional status deteriorated, body mass index, PhA, and levels of haemoglobin and albumin decreased, while platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen increased (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the PhA was significantly independently associated with malnutrition (p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis indicated that the optimal PhA cut-off levels of 6.11° and 5.55° could be used to predict malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria in males and females, respectively, with a PhA < 5.53° and < 5.12° indicating severe malnutrition in males and females, respectively. Conclusion: The PhA is a sensitive, noninvasive, portable, inexpensive tool that can be used to monitor and manage the nutritional status of CD patients.

Correlation of Body Composition via Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Motor Function and Recovery of Upper Extremity in Patients Undergoing Stroke Rehabilitation

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has been used to investigate the body compositions and predict functional outcomes in patients with stroke, while the role of BIA to predict motor function or recovery in stroke has not been clarified. This study aimed to investigate relationship between body composition measured by BIA and upper limb motor function and recovery. Body compositions (soft tissue lean mass, phase angle, body fat mass and body water) of fifty patients who are admitted to the stroke rehabilitation unit were segmentally analyzed via BIA. The motor recovery of upper extremity (UE) was evaluated via Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UE-FMA) at the time of transfer and discharge. Correlations between body composition and UE-FMA at discharge were analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficient. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the regression between body composition and motor function and recovery. The Δ Phase angle, the difference of both sides was significantly linearly inversely correlated with UE-FMA at discharge. However, in multiple regression analysis, body compositions including phase angle did not significantly predict motor function at discharge or motor recovery. The Δ Phase angle is related to the severity of upper limb motor function at discharge in subacute stroke patients, and further studies are needed to determine its value as a predictor for motor recovery.

Association between food texture levels consumed and the prevalence of malnutrition and sarcopenia in older patients after stroke

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Texture-modified diets (TMDs) may affect nutritional status and sarcopenia in patients after stroke. This study aimed to investigate the association of food texture levels consumed by patients after stroke with the prevalence of malnutrition and sarcopenia.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

This was a two-center cross-sectional study. A total of 443 patients aged ≥65 years undergoing post-stroke rehabilitation and with oral intake in rehabilitation wards in Shizuoka prefecture and Okinawa prefecture, Japan, were included in the analysis. Food textures were categorized according to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) framework. Malnutrition was diagnosed according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition and sarcopenia was assess by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 criteria. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to examine the prevalence of malnutrition and sarcopenia by consumption of lower food texture levels.

RESULTS

Malnutrition and sarcopenia were diagnosed in 245 (55.3%) and 275 (62.1%) participants, respectively. Consumption of lower food texture levels was associated with a higher prevalence of malnutrition and severe malnutrition (P < 0.001 for both). In addition, consumption of lower food texture levels was associated with a higher prevalence of probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia (P < 0.001 for both). On multivariate analysis, significant associations were observed between IDDSI levels 5 (P < 0.001) and 4 (P = 0.009) and malnutrition, and between IDDSI levels 6 (P = 0.015), 5 (P = 0.033), and 4 (P = 0.015) and sarcopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with stroke, consumption of lower food texture levels categorized by the IDDSI framework was associated with a higher prevalence of malnutrition and sarcopenia.

Phase angle of bioimpedance at 50 kHz is associated with cardiovascular diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis

The phase angle of bioimpedance is an important prognostic tool in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between phase angle and cardiovascular diseases. Electronic searches were carried out on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, SCIELO, LILACS, CINAHL, Scopus, and the Web of Science. The PECO was "P" adults over 18 years of age, "E" the presence of cardiovascular disease, "C" absence of cardiovascular disease, and "O" phase angle values. The phase-angle means difference (MD) was analyzed separately by sex. Subgroup metanalysis with age, body mass index, and heart failure disease and meta-regressions were analyzed with random-effects models. Sensitivity analysis was performed considering only studies with high quality. The heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the Q-Cochran test and I² statistics. Four-hundred-thirty-nine articles were identified, and 22 studies were included in this systematic review, totaling 10.010 participants. Eight studies met the criteria for the meta-analysis, involving 2164 participants. The phase angle (PA) was measured at 50 kHz frequency in all studies. Individuals with cardiovascular disease had a smaller PA compared to the control group, for both males (MD -0.70; 95% CI -1.01 to -0.39) and females (MD -0.76; 95% CI -1.39 to -0.13). In the sensitivity analysis, in men, the quality of studies (P < 0.01), and in women, heart failure (P < 0.01) was significantly different between groups.The values of the phase angle were lower in individuals with cardiovascular disease than in control subjects. This result reinforces the importance of this tool in clinical practice, highlighting its potential to assess health status. Registration: The systematic review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database as CRD42020164178.

Evaluating Sarcopenia by Using the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia After Chemotherapy

Background

We aimed to explore the potential association of body composition parameters measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) with the incidence of sarcopenia in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (non-M3) after chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods

This was a single-center observational study. Sixty-nine patients with newly diagnosed AML underwent BIA at the time of initial diagnosis and after completion of three chemotherapy sessions. Pre- and post-chemotherapy BIA parameters were compared. Sarcopenia was defined as low skeletal muscle mass plus low muscle strength according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS). Association of sarcopenia with mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) and intracellular water (ICW) was assessed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

There was a significant increase in the prevalence of sarcopenia after chemotherapy (39.1% vs 14.5%, P<0.001). Skeletal muscle mass (SMM), fat-free mass (FFM), and soft lean mass (SLM) showed a significant decrease after chemotherapy (P<0.05). MAMC, ICW, and total body water (TBW) significantly decreased after chemotherapy (P<0.05). BIA indices including appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) (r=0.889, P<0.001), ICW (r=0.869, P<0.001), MAMC (r=0.849, P<0.001) showed a positive correlation with SMI. Moreover, ASM (r=−0.453 P=0.001), ICW (r=−0.322, P<0.05), and MAMC (r=−0.352, P<0.05) showed a negative correlation with sarcopenia. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, increased ICW was associated with decreased risk of sarcopenia [odds ratio (OR): 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30–0.82]. Each additional unit of MAMC after chemotherapy was associated with 71% lower risk of sarcopenia (OR: 0.29; 95% CI 0.13–0.66).

Conclusion

The incidence of sarcopenia was associated with chemotherapy of patients with AML (non-M3) as reflected by body composition changes.

Utility of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Mini-Review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most significant risk factors for cardiovasculardisese. Malnutrition has been recognized as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease in patients with CKD, including those on chronic dialysis. Current studies showed higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates in patients with CKD and malnutrition. Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), a simple and validated nutritional screening measure for both elderly people and patients on dialysis, is based only on three objective parameters: body weight, height, and serum albumin level. Recently, we demonstrated that the cutoff GNRI for predicting all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was 96 in patients on hemodialysis. Moreover, together with left ventricular hypertrophy and low estimated glomerular filtration rate, the utility of GNRI as a significant determinant of cardiovascular events was demonstrated in non-dialysis-dependent patients with CKD. In the present review, we summarize available evidence regarding the relationship of GNRI with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with CKD including those on dialysis.

Association of risk of malnutrition with adverse outcomes and early support on discharge in acute stroke patients without prestroke disability: A multicenter, registry-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition in hospitals remains highly prevalent. As part of quality improvement initiatives, the Royal College of Physicians recommends nutrition screening for all patients admitted with acute stroke. We aimed to examine the associations of patients at risk of malnutrition with poststroke outcomes.

METHODS

We analyzed prospectively collected data from four hyperacute stroke units (HASUs) (2014-2016). Nutrition status was screened in 2962 acute stroke patients without prestroke disability (1515 men, [mean ± SD] 73.5 years ± 13.1; 1447 women, 79.2 ± 13.0 years). The risk of malnutrition was tested against stroke outcomes and adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Risk of malnutrition was identified in 25.8% of patients). Compared with well-nourished patients, those at risk of malnutrition had, within 7 days of admission, increased risk of stay on the HASU of >14 days (odds ratio [OR]: 9.9 [7.3-11.5]), disability on discharge (OR: 8.1 [6.6-10.0]), worst level of consciousness in the first 7 days (score ≥ 1) (OR: 7.5 [6.1-9.3]), mortality (OR: 5.2 [4.0-6.6], pneumonia (OR: 5.1 [3.9-6.7]), and urinary tract infection (OR: 1.5 [1.1-2.0]). They also required palliative care (OR: 12.3 [8.5-17.8]), discharge to new care home (OR: 3.07 [2.18-4.3]), activities of daily living support (OR: 1.8 [1.5-2.3]), planned joint care (OR: 1.5 [1.2-1.8]), and weekly visits (OR: 1.4 [1.1-1.8]).

CONCLUSION

Patients at risk of malnutrition more commonly have multiple adverse outcomes after acute stroke and greater need for early support on discharge.

Association Between Weight Loss and Activities of Daily Living in Obese and Overweight Patients after Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

Whether weight loss during hospitalization is associated with improvement in activities of daily living (ADL) in overweight and obese stroke patients remains unclear. This study investigated the association between decreases in body mass index (BMI), fat-free mass (FFM), and fat mass (FM) and ADL improvement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data of patients admitted to acute care hospitals with stroke. Patients were classified into two groups based on their change in BMI during their hospital stay (i.e. decreased or nondecreased group). To control and adjust for patient characteristics and confounders, we created an inverse probability-weighted (IPW) model using propensity scoring, which was used to compare the Functional Independence Measure Motor (FIM-M) efficacy between the two groups. We also compared FFM and FM between admission and discharge in each group.

RESULTS

A total of 556 patients were analyzed, among whom 391 (70.3%) had a decrease in BMI and 165 (29.7%) had a nondecrease. After IPW adjustment, efficiency of FIM-M was significantly higher in the nondecreased group as compared to that in the decreased group (median: 0.44 vs. 0.29, P < 0.001). FFM and FM were significantly decreased from admission to discharge in the decreased group, but there was no significanct difference observed in the nondecreased group. Preserving BMI during hospitalization was associated with a positive improvement in ADL in overweight and obese stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Risks and benefits of weight loss should be balanced in nutritional care and rehabilitation for overweight and obese stroke patients.

Impact of Phase Angle on Physical Function in Patients with Acute Stroke

OBJECTIVE

Phase angle, an assessment of muscle quality, might be a possible predictor of physical function in patients with an acute stroke; however, the evidence for the same is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether phase angle is associated with improved physical function at discharge.

METHODS

In this observational cohort study, we determined the phase angle in patients with an acute stroke using a portable, noninvasive multifrequency bio-impedance device. The primary objective was the assessment of physical function using the Functional Independence Measure motor (FIM-motor) at discharge in the acute phase. The secondary outcome was home discharge. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the association between phase angle, FIM-motor score, and home discharge.

RESULTS

The study included 129 patients (78 men; mean age 75.2 years). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the phase angle was independently associated with FIM-motor score at discharge in all models (Model 1: β= 0.27, p < 0.001; Model 2: β = 0.234, p < 0.001; Model 3: β = 0.201, p = 0.017). However, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the phase angle was not associated with home discharge (p = 0.464).

CONCLUSIONS

The phase angle at the onset of a stroke, is an independent predictor of physical function at discharge in the acute phase. Our findings highlight the importance of determining the phase angle in patients with an acute stroke.

Are Sarcopenia and Cognitive Dysfunction Comorbid after Stroke in the Context of Brain-Muscle Crosstalk?

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability and is responsible for a significant economic burden. Sarcopenia and cognitive dysfunction are common consequences of stroke, but there is less awareness of the concurrency of these conditions. In addition, few reviews are available to guide clinicians and researchers on how to approach sarcopenia and cognitive dysfunction as comorbidities after stroke, including how to assess and manage them and implement interventions to improve health outcomes. This review synthesises current knowledge about the relationship between post-stroke sarcopenia and cognitive dysfunction, including the physiological pathways, assessment tools, and interventions involved.

Effects of Nanomaterials on the Body Composition of Patients with Dyslipidemia Based on Different Strength Sports Equipment

Relevant studies have shown that the use of sports equipment for exercise can regulate the body composition of patients, thereby achieving the purpose of improving the metabolism of blood lipids in the body. Based on this, this article takes patients with dyslipidemia as the research object and explores the changes in their body composition and shape using different strength sports equipment made of nanomaterials during sports rehabilitation training. In this study, 200 patients with dyslipidemia were selected as experimental subjects in the form of interviews and questionnaires. According to the type of exercise, they were divided into 56 men in the men’s running group, 56 men in the men’s spinning group, 44 women in the women’s running group, and 44 women in the women’s spinning group. 12 weeks of incremental exercise training were carried out. The results of the experiment found that after the end of the 12-week exercise training, the body composition of the subjects in each group changed significantly ( $P<0.05$ ). The changes in the male and female spinning group were more obvious than those in the running group, and the weight of the male spinning group, waist circumference, and hip circumference decreased by 2.3%, 3%, and 3.5% and those of women’s spinning group decreased by 3.1%, 3.4%, and 3.9%. In addition, blood lipids in each group also changed significantly ( $P<0.05$ ); there is a significant statistical difference. Through a return visit two years after the end of the experiment, it was found that most of the subjects had symptoms of discomfort, indicating that the nanomaterials have a certain negative impact on the human body.