Changes in quadriceps muscle thickness in acute non-ambulatory stroke survivors

Abstract

Background:Loss of skeletal muscle mass is one of the main reasons for disability in patients with stroke. However, lower leg muscle wasting has not been studied in acute stroke patients.Objective:To investigate the changes in quadriceps muscle thickness in acute non-ambulatory stroke survivors.Methods:A total of 16 consecutive acute non-ambulatory stroke survivors who were in acute inpatient rehabilitation, with a mean age of 72.1 years, were included in the study. Quadriceps muscle thickness was examined in their paretic and non-paretic limbs within the first week from admission (first week), 1 week after the first examination (second week), and 1 week after the second week examination (third week) using ultrasonography.Results:Quadriceps muscle thickness in the paretic limb decreased every week (mean% difference between the first and second weeks, 12.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.3–20.2%; mean% difference between the second and third weeks, 10.1, 95% CI 5.2–14.9%). Quadriceps muscle thickness in the non-paretic limb was lower in the second and third weeks than the first week, but there was no difference between the second and third weeks (mean% difference between the first and second weeks, 9.3, 95% CI 2.5–16.1%; mean% difference between the second and third weeks, 5.3, 95% CI − 1.6 to 12.1%).Conclusion:Quadriceps muscle thickness decreased in acute non-ambulatory stroke survivors not only in the paretic limb but also in the non-paretic limb, particularly during the period from admission to the second week.