Association of Malnutrition With Physical Activity Intensity in Patients With Subacute Stroke

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between nutritional status measured by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and the intensity of physical activity, and to determine the association between these factors and the activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients with subacute stroke during hospitalization. DesignA cross-sectional study. SettingThe study was conducted in the rehabilitation unit at a neurosurgical hospital. ParticipantsOne hundred and twenty-eight patients with subacute stroke (N=128). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresNutritional status was assessed using GLIM criteria. Sedentary behavior (SB), light-intensity physical activity (LIPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured using an accelerometer. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between nutritional status and intensity of physical activity. Moreover, the association of nutritional status and physical activity intensity with ADLs was determined using multiple regression analysis and mediation analysis. ResultsMalnutrition was associated with SB time (B = 16.241, P=.009) and LIPA time (B = -17.656, P=.002), but not MVPA time (B = -0.472, P=.776). SB time (B = -0.063, P=.009) and LIPA time (B = 0.093, P<.001) were associated with functional independence measure for motor function, while MVPA time (B = -0.080, P=.379) was not. SB time (coefficient = -10.785, P<.001) and LIPA time (coefficient = -12.054, P<.001) were significant mediators between nutrition status and ADLs. ConclusionsMalnutrition was associated with a SB time and LIPA time, but not MVPA time, in patients with sub-acute stroke. SB and LIPA times were associated with ADLs and mediated between nutrition status and ADLs in these patients. The association of nutritional status on physical activity and ADLs should be considered in stroke rehabilitation.