Interactions between physical performance, body‐composition and nutrition in individuals one to three years after stroke

Abstract

Interactions between physical performance, body composition and nutrition in individuals 1–3 years after stroke.ObjectiveTo explore muscle mass, physical activity and nutritional status and association to mobility in stroke survivors.Methods134 community living individuals (74±5 y, 69% men) participated. Mobility was measured by Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB, 0–12 points). Bio‐impedance analysis (BIA) measured fat free mass index (FFMI; kg/m2), fat mass index (FMI; kg/m2) and FM%. Nutritional status was measured by Mini Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form (0–14 p), gait speed by 10 m walking test (m/s) and the self‐reported Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE, ≥0 points) were recorded.ResultsBMI showed that 71% were overweight or obese. 14% were at risk for malnutrition. FM% was >;20 in 86% of men, and >;30 in 90% of women (related to a ref population). 28% were considered as sarcopenic obese, i.e. FFMI <25th perc + FMI>;50th perc of a ref population. Sarcopenia, i.e. the combination of FFMI<25th perc of normal + gait speed <1 m/s, was observed in 10%. Walking speed was slow (1.1±0.25 m/s), and PASE was low (mean 108±65 p). SPPB was reduced (median 10 p), but neither associated to FFMI nor FMI. Logistic regression indicated that SPPB ≤9 p was significantly related to risk for malnutrition; OR 5.8, reduced physical activity; OR 8.2, and high age; OR 2.8 for each 10 y.ConclusionsObesity was observed in ~2/3 subjects 1–3 y after stroke. More than 1/4 was classified as sarcopenic obese. FFM was not related to physical performance, whereas risk for malnutrition, physical activity and age were. Thus, nutrition and physical activity may represent opportunities for rehabilitation after stroke.