A Study of Muscle Mass Change at Onset and 2 Weeks Post Onset in Stroke Patients

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the body composition of stroke victims at the time of stroke onset and 2 weeks after stroke onset, and to examine the causes of differences. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-three patients with acute stroke were included. Body Mass Index (BMI), body fat percentage, Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (SMI), trunk muscle mass, paralytic upper limb muscle mass, paralytic lower limb muscle mass, non-paralytic upper limb muscle mass, and non-paralytic lower limb muscle mass were measured within 3 days of onset and at 2 weeks ± 2 days after onset, and the effect size calculated. [Results] Two weeks after onset, BMI had decreased significantly, but SMI, lower limb muscle mass, and body fat percentage showed no significant decrease. Significant muscle loss occurred in the trunk and both upper limbs, and the size was large and moderate to severe. [Conclusion] Acute stroke patients tend to lose muscle mass in both upper limbs and the trunk in the two weeks after stroke onset.